U.S. patent number 8,980,291 [Application Number 12/982,386] was granted by the patent office on 2015-03-17 for controlled release hydrocodone formulations.
This patent grant is currently assigned to Purdue Pharma L.P.. The grantee listed for this patent is Hua-Pin Huang, John Masselink, Benjamin Oshlack, Alfred P. Tonelli. Invention is credited to Hua-Pin Huang, John Masselink, Benjamin Oshlack, Alfred P. Tonelli.
United States Patent |
8,980,291 |
Oshlack , et al. |
March 17, 2015 |
Controlled release hydrocodone formulations
Abstract
A solid oral controlled-release oral dosage form of hydrocodone
is disclosed. The dosage form comprising an analgesically effective
amount of hydrocodone or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt
thereof, and a sufficient amount of a controlled release material
to render the dosage form suitable for twice-a-day administration
to a human patient, the dosage form providing a C.sub.12/C.sub.max
ratio of 0.55 to 0.85, said dosage form providing a therapeutic
effect for at least about 12 hours.
Inventors: |
Oshlack; Benjamin (New York,
NY), Huang; Hua-Pin (Englewood Cliffs, NJ), Masselink;
John (Old Tappan, NJ), Tonelli; Alfred P. (Congers,
NY) |
Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
Oshlack; Benjamin
Huang; Hua-Pin
Masselink; John
Tonelli; Alfred P. |
New York
Englewood Cliffs
Old Tappan
Congers |
NY
NJ
NJ
NY |
US
US
US
US |
|
|
Assignee: |
Purdue Pharma L.P. (Stamford,
CT)
|
Family
ID: |
22586071 |
Appl.
No.: |
12/982,386 |
Filed: |
December 30, 2010 |
Prior Publication Data
|
|
|
|
Document
Identifier |
Publication Date |
|
US 20110262532 A1 |
Oct 27, 2011 |
|
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
Issue Date |
|
|
10864829 |
Jun 9, 2004 |
7943174 |
|
|
|
09702283 |
Oct 30, 2000 |
|
|
|
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60162541 |
Oct 29, 1999 |
|
|
|
|
Current U.S.
Class: |
424/401; 424/452;
514/282 |
Current CPC
Class: |
A61K
9/1617 (20130101); A61P 25/04 (20180101); A61P
25/02 (20180101); A61K 9/50 (20130101); A61K
9/282 (20130101); A61K 9/2846 (20130101); A61K
9/0087 (20130101); A61K 9/2013 (20130101); A61K
9/2027 (20130101); A61K 9/2018 (20130101); A61K
9/2077 (20130101); A61K 9/4808 (20130101); A61K
9/1635 (20130101); A61K 9/4866 (20130101); A61K
9/5026 (20130101); A61K 9/0053 (20130101); A61K
9/2054 (20130101); A61K 31/485 (20130101); A61K
9/2009 (20130101); A61K 9/2031 (20130101); A61K
9/2081 (20130101) |
Current International
Class: |
A61K
9/48 (20060101); A61K 31/485 (20060101); A61P
25/04 (20060101) |
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|
Primary Examiner: Haghighatian; Mina
Assistant Examiner: Karpinski; Luke
Attorney, Agent or Firm: Davidson, Davidson, & Kappel,
LLC
Parent Case Text
This application is a continuation of U.S. Ser. No. 10/864,829,
filed Jun. 9, 2004, now U.S. Pat. No. 7,943,174, which is a
continuation of U.S. Serial No. 09/702,283, filed Oct. 30, 2000 now
abandoned, which claims priority from U.S. Provisional Application
Ser. No. 60/162,541, filed Oct. 29, 1999, the disclosures of which
are hereby incorporated by reference.
Claims
We claim:
1. A solid oral twice-a-day controlled-release dosage form, wherein
the dosage form is a tablet consisting of (i) a plurality of
individually coated multiparticulates consisting of matrices
individually coated with a coating consisting of ethylcellulose and
a wax, the matrices collectively consisting of from about 5 mg to
about 60 mg hydrocodone or an equivalent amount of a
pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof, hydroxypropylmethyl
cellulose and ethylcellulose, (ii) hydroxypropylmethyl cellulose,
(iii) lactose, (iv) a metal stearate, and (v) a colorant, the
individually coated multiparticulates compressed along with
hydroxypropylmethyl cellulose, lactose, the metal stearate and the
colorant into the tablet, said dosage form, after a first
administration to a human patient, provides a plasma concentration
of hydrocodone of at least 8 ng/ml at from about 2 to about 8 hours
after said administration and a plasma concentration of hydrocodone
of at least 6 ng/ml at about 12 hours after said administration,
based on oral administration of a dosage form containing 15 mg
hydrocodone bitartrate, a C.sub.12/C.sub.max ratio of 0.55 to 0.85,
and a therapeutic effect for at least 12 hours, wherein the
hydrocodone or pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof is the only
active agent in the dosage form, the metal stearate is magnesium
stearate, and the wax is selected from the group consisting of
beeswax, glycowax, castor wax, carnauba wax, and glyceryl
behenate.
2. The dosage form of claim 1, wherein said matrices are in the
form of unextruded granules.
3. The dosage form of claim 1, which provides a C.sub.12/C.sub.max
ratio of 0.65 to 0.75.
4. The dosage form of claim 1, which provides an in-vitro release
of from 18% to about 42.5% by weight of the hydrocodone or
pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof from the dosage form at
one hour, when measured by the USP Basket Method at 100 rpm in 700
ml of Simulated Gastric Fluid (SGF) for 55 minutes at 37.degree. C.
and thereafter switching to 900 ml of Simulated Intestinal Fluid
(SIF) at 37.degree. C.
5. The dosage form of claim 3, which provides an in-vitro release
of from 18% to about 42.5% by weight of the hydrocodone or
pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof from the dosage form at
one hour, when measured by the USP Basket Method at 100 rpm in 700
ml of Simulated Gastric Fluid (SGF) for 55 minutes at 37.degree. C.
and thereafter switching to 900 ml of Simulated Intestinal Fluid
(SIF) at 37.degree. C.
6. The dosage form of claim 1, which provides an in-vitro release,
when measured by the USP Basket method at 100 rpm in 900 ml aqueous
buffer at a pH of 1.2 at 37.degree. C., of from about 25 to about
65% by weight hydrocodone or pharmaceutically acceptable salt
thereof released after 2 hours, from about 45 to about 85% by
weight hydrocodone or pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof
released after 4 hours, and greater than 60% by weight hydrocodone
or pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof released after 8
hours.
7. The dosage form of claim 1, which provides an in-vitro
dissolution rate, when measured by the USP Basket method at 100 rpm
in 900 ml aqueous buffer at a pH of 7.5 at 37.degree. C., of from
about 25 to about 65% by weight hydrocodone or pharmaceutically
acceptable salt thereof released after 2 hours, from about 45 to
about 85% by weight hydrocodone or pharmaceutically acceptable salt
thereof released after 4 hours, and greater than 60% by weight
hydrocodone or pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof released
after 8 hours.
8. The dosage form of claim 1, which provides a T.sub.max of
hydrocodone in said patient at from about 2 to about 8 hours after
said administration.
9. The dosage form of claim 1, which provides a T.sub.max of
hydrocodone in said patient at from about 3 to about 7 hours after
said administration.
10. The dosage form of claim 1, which provides a T.sub.max of
hydrocodone in said patient at from about 4 to about 6 hours after
said administration.
11. The dosage form of claim 1, which provides a plasma
concentration of hydrocodone of at least 8 ng/ml at from about 3 to
about 7 hours after said administration.
12. The dosage form of claim 1, which provides a time to 80% mean
C.sub.max of hydrocodone from about 0.5 to about 1.5 hours after
first administration to a patient population.
13. The dosage form of claim 1, which provides a time to 90% mean
C.sub.max of hydrocodone of from about 1.5 to about 2.5 hours after
first administration to a patient population.
14. The dosage form of claim 1, which provides a time to 90% mean
C.sub.max of hydrocodone of from about 1.8 to about 2.2 hours after
first administration to a patient population.
15. The dosage form of claim 1, which maintains a plasma
concentration of hydrocodone within 80% of C.sub.max of hydrocodone
for about 1 to about 9 hours during the 12 hour dosing
interval.
16. The dosage form of claim 1, which maintains a plasma
concentration of hydrocodone within 80% of C.sub.max of hydrocodone
for about 4 to about 8 hours during the 12 hour dosing
interval.
17. The dosage form of claim 1, which maintains a plasma
concentration of hydrocodone within 90% of C.sub.max of hydrocodone
for about 1 to about 6.5 hours during the 12 hour dosing
interval.
18. The dosage form of claim 1, which maintains a plasma
concentration of hydrocodone within 90% of C.sub.max of hydrocodone
for about 2 to about 5 hours during the 12 hour dosing
interval.
19. The dosage form of claim 1, which provides a mean in-vivo
absorption rate of hydrocodone from administration to T.sub.max of
from about 1.5 mg/hour to about 5 mg/hour and provides a mean rate
of absorption from T.sub.max to the end of the dosing interval
which is less than 0.5 mg/hour, based on a first oral
administration of a dosage form containing 15 mg hydrocodone
bitartrate to a patient population.
20. The dosage form of claim 19, which provides a mean in-vivo
absorption rate of hydrocodone from administration to T.sub.max of
from about 2 mg/hour to about 4 mg/hour.
21. The dosage form of claim 19, which provides a mean in-vivo
absorption rate of hydrocodone from T.sub.max to the end of the 12
hour dosing interval which is from about 0.08 mg/hour to about 0.4
mg/hour.
22. A solid oral twice-a-day controlled-release dosage form,
wherein the dosage form is a tablet consisting of (i) a plurality
of individually coated multiparticulates consisting of matrices
individually coated with a coating consisting of ethylcellulose and
a wax, the matrices collectively consisting of from about 5 mg to
about 60 mg hydrocodone or an equivalent amount of a
pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof, hydroxypropylmethyl
cellulose and ethylcellulose, (ii) hydroxypropylmethyl cellulose,
(iii) lactose, (iv) a metal stearate, and (v) a colorant, the
individually coated multiparticulates compressed along with
hydroxypropylmethyl cellulose, lactose, the metal stearate and the
colorant into the tablet, said dosage form, after a first
administration to a patient population, provides a plasma
concentration of hydrocodone of at least 8 ng/ml at from about 2 to
about 8 hours after said administration and a plasma concentration
of hydrocodone of at least 6 ng/ml at about 12 hours after said
administration, based on oral administration of a dosage form
containing 15 mg hydrocodone bitartrate, a mean C.sub.12/C.sub.max
ratio of 0.55 to 0.85, and a therapeutic effect for about 12 hours,
wherein the hydrocodone or the pharmaceutically acceptable salt
thereof is the only active agent in the dosage form, the metal
stearate is magnesium stearate, and the wax is selected from the
group consisting of beeswax, glycowax, castor wax, carnauba wax,
and glyceryl behenate.
23. The dosage form of claim 1, wherein the pharmaceutically
acceptable salt is a bitartrate salt.
24. The dosage form of claim 22, wherein said matrices are in the
form of unextruded granules.
25. A solid oral twice-a-day controlled-release dosage form,
wherein the dosage form is a tablet consisting of (i) a plurality
of individually coated multiparticulates consisting of matrices
individually coated with a coating consisting of ethylcellulose and
a wax, the matrices consisting of hydrocodone or a pharmaceutically
acceptable salt thereof, ethylcellulose, hydroxypropylmethyl
cellulose and glyceryl behanate, (ii) hydroxypropylmethyl
cellulose, (iii) lactose, (iv) a metal stearate, and (v) a
colorant, the individually coated multiparticulates compressed
along with hydroxypropylmethyl cellulose, lactose, the metal
stearate, and the colorant into the tablet, said dosage form, after
a first administration to a human patient, provides a plasma
concentration of hydrocodone of at least 8 ng/ml at from about 2 to
about 8 hours after said administration and a plasma concentration
of hydrocodone of at least 6 ng/ml at about 12 hours after said
administration, based on oral administration of a dosage form
containing 15 mg hydrocodone bitartrate, a C.sub.12/C.sub.max ratio
of 0.55 to 0.85, and a therapeutic effect for at least 12 hours,
wherein the hydrocodone or pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof
is the only active agent in the dosage form, the metal stearate is
magnesium stearate, and the wax is selected from the group
consisting of beeswax, glycowax, castor wax, carnauba wax, and
glyceryl behenate.
26. The dosage form of claim 25, wherein the wax is glyceryl
behenate.
27. The dosage form of claim 1, wherein the wax is glyceryl
behenate.
28. The dosage form of claim 1, wherein the human patient is a
fasted human patient.
29. The dosage form of claim 22, wherein the patient population is
a fasted patient population.
30. The dosage form of claim 25, wherein the human patient is a
fasted human patient.
31. A solid oral twice-a-day controlled-release dosage form,
wherein the dosage form is a tablet consisting of (i) a plurality
of individually coated multiparticulates consisting of matrices
individually coated with a coating consisting of ethylcellulose and
a wax, the matrices consisting of hydrocodone or a pharmaceutically
acceptable salt thereof, hydroxypropylmethyl cellulose and
ethylcellulose, (ii) an additional amount of hydrocodone or
pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof, (iii) hydroxypropylmethyl
cellulose, (iv) lactose, (v) a metal stearate, and (vi) a colorant,
the individually coated multiparticulates compressed along with the
additional amount of hydrocodone or pharmaceutically acceptable
salt thereof, hydroxypropylmethyl cellulose, lactose, the metal
stearate and colorant into the tablet, said dosage form, after a
first administration to a human patient, provides a plasma
concentration of hydrocodone of at least 8 ng/ml at from about 2 to
about 8 hours after said administration and a plasma concentration
of hydrocodone of at least 6 ng/ml at about 12 hours after said
administration, based on oral administration of a dosage form
containing 15 mg hydrocodone bitartrate, a C.sub.12/C.sub.max ratio
of 0.55 to 0.85, and a therapeutic effect for at least 12 hours,
wherein the hydrocodone or pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof
is the only active agent in the dosage form, the amount of the
hydrocodone in the dosage form is from about 5 mg to about 60 mg,
the metal stearate is magnesium stearate, and the wax is selected
from the group consisting of beeswax, glycowax, castor wax,
carnauba wax, and glyceryl behenate.
32. A solid oral twice-a-day controlled-release dosage form,
wherein the dosage form is a tablet consisting of (i) a plurality
of individually coated multiparticulates consisting of matrices
individually coated with a coating consisting of ethylcellulose and
a wax, the matrices collectively consisting of hydrocodone or a
pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof, hydroxypropylmethyl
cellulose and ethylcellulose, (ii) an additional amount of
hydrocodone or pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof, (iii)
hydroxypropylmethyl cellulose, (iv) lactose, (v) a metal stearate,
and (vi) a colorant, the individually coated multiparticulates
compressed along with the additional amount of hydrocodone or
pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof, hydroxypropylmethyl
cellulose, lactose, the metal stearate and the colorant into the
tablet, said dosage form, after a first administration to a patient
population, provides a plasma concentration of hydrocodone of at
least 8 ng/ml at from about 2 to about 8hours after said
administration and a plasma concentration of hydrocodone of at
least 6 ng/ml at about 12 hours after said administration, based on
oral administration of a dosage form containing 15 mg hydrocodone
bitartrate, a mean C.sub.12/C.sub.max ratio of 0.55 to 0.85, and a
therapeutic effect for about 12 hours, wherein the hydrocodone or
the pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof is the only active
agent in the dosage form, the amount of the hydrocodone in the
dosage form is from about 5 mg to about 60 mg, the metal stearate
is magnesium stearate, and the wax is selected from the group
consisting of beeswax, glycowax, castor wax, carnauba wax, and
glyceryl behenate.
33. A solid oral twice-a-day controlled-release dosage form, the
dosage form is a film coated tablet, the tablet consisting of (i) a
plurality of individually coated multiparticulates consisting of
matrices individually coated with a coating consisting of
ethylcellulose and a wax, the matrices consisting of hydrocodone or
a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof, hydroxypropylmethyl
cellulose and ethylcellulose, (ii) an additional amount of
hydrocodone or pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof, (iii)
hydroxypropylmethyl cellulose, (iv) lactose, (v) a metal stearate,
and (vi) a colorant, the individually coated multiparticulates
compressed along with the additional amount of hydrocodone or
pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof, hydroxypropylmethyl
cellulose, lactose, the metal stearate and the colorant into the
tablet, the tablet coated with the film, said dosage form, after a
first administration to a human patient, provides a plasma
concentration of hydrocodone of at least 8 ng/ml at from about 2 to
about 8 hours after said administration and a plasma concentration
of hydrocodone of at least 6 ng/ml at about 12 hours after said
administration, based on oral administration of a dosage form
containing 15 mg hydrocodone bitartrate, a C.sub.12/C.sub.max ratio
of 0.55 to 0.85, and a therapeutic effect for at least 12 hours,
wherein the hydrocodone or pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof
is the only active agent in the dosage form, the amount of the
hydrocodone in the dosage form is from about 5 mg to about 60 mg,
the metal stearate is magnesium stearate, and the wax is selected
from the group consisting of beeswax, glycowax, castor wax,
carnauba wax, and glyceryl behenate.
34. A solid oral twice-a-day controlled-release dosage form,
wherein the dosage form is a film coated tablet consisting of (i) a
plurality of individually coated multiparticulates consisting of
matrices individually coated with a coating consisting of
ethylcellulose and a wax, the matrices collectively consisting of
hydrocodone or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof,
hydroxypropylmethyl cellulose and ethylcellulose, (ii) an
additional amount of hydrocodone or pharmaceutically acceptable
salt thereof, (iii) hydroxypropylmethyl cellulose, (iv) lactose,
(v) a metal stearate, and (vi) a colorant, the individually coated
multiparticulates compressed along with the additional amount of
hydrocodone or pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof,
hydroxypropylmethyl cellulose, lactose, the metal stearate and the
colorant into a tablet, the tablet coated with the film, said
dosage form, after a first administration to a patient population,
provides a plasma concentration of hydrocodone of at least 8 ng/ml
at from about 2 to about 8 hours after said administration and a
plasma concentration of hydrocodone of at least 6 ng/ml at about 12
hours after said administration, based on oral administration of a
dosage form containing 15 mg hydrocodone bitartrate, a mean
C.sub.12/C.sub.max ratio of 0.55 to 0.85, and a therapeutic effect
for about 12 hours, wherein the hydrocodone or the pharmaceutically
acceptable salt thereof is the only active agent in the dosage
form, the amount of the hydrocodone in the dosage form is from
about 5 mg to about 60 mg, the metal stearate is magnesium
stearate, and the wax is selected from the group consisting of
beeswax, glycowax, castor wax, carnauba wax, and glyceryl
behenate.
35. A solid oral twice-a-day controlled-release dosage form,
wherein the dosage form is a film coated tablet, the tablet
consisting of (i) a plurality of individually coated
multiparticulates consisting of matrices individually coated with a
coating consisting of ethylcellulose and a wax, the matrices
collectively consisting of from about 5 mg to about 60 mg
hydrocodone or an equivalent amount of a pharmaceutically
acceptable salt thereof, hydroxypropylmethyl cellulose and
ethylcellulose, (ii) hydroxypropylmethyl cellulose, (iii) lactose,
(iv) a metal stearate, and (v) a colorant, the individually coated
multiparticulates compressed along with hydroxypropylmethyl
cellulose, lactose, the metal stearate and the colorant into the
tablet, the tablet coated with the film, said dosage form, after a
first administration to a human patient, provides a plasma
concentration of hydrocodone of at least 8 ng/ml at from about 2 to
about 8 hours after said administration and a plasma concentration
of hydrocodone of at least 6 ng/ml at about 12 hours after said
administration, based on oral administration of a dosage form
containing 15 mg hydrocodone bitartrate, a C.sub.12/C.sub.max ratio
of 0.55 to 0.85, and a therapeutic effect for at least 12 hours,
wherein the hydrocodone or pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof
is the only active agent in the dosage form, the metal stearate is
magnesium stearate, and the wax is selected from the group
consisting of beeswax, glycowax, castor wax, carnauba wax, and
glyceryl behenate.
36. A solid oral twice-a-day controlled-release dosage form,
wherein the the dosage form is a film coated tablet, the tablet
consisting of (i) a plurality of individually coated
multiparticulates consisting of matrices individually coated with a
coating consisting of ethylcellulose and a wax, the matrices
collectively consisting of from about 5 mg to about 60 mg
hydrocodone or an equivalent amount of a pharmaceutically
acceptable salt thereof, hydroxypropylmethyl cellulose and
ethylcellulose, (ii) hydroxypropylmethyl cellulose, (iii) lactose,
(iv) a metal stearate, and (v) a colorant, the individually coated
multiparticulates compressed along with hydroxypropylmethyl
cellulose, lactose, the metal stearate and the colorant into the
tablet, the tablet coated with the film, said dosage form, after a
first administration to a patient population, provides a plasma
concentration of hydrocodone of at least 8 ng/ml at from about 2 to
about 8 hours after said administration and a plasma concentration
of hydrocodone of at least 6 ng/ml at about 12 hours after said
administration, based on oral administration of a dosage form
containing 15 mg hydrocodone bitartrate, a mean C.sub.12/C.sub.max
ratio of 0.55 to 0.85, and a therapeutic effect for about 12 hours,
wherein the hydrocodone or the pharmaceutically acceptable salt
thereof is the only active agent in the dosage form, and the metal
stearate is magnesium stearate, and the wax is selected from the
group consisting of beeswax, glycowax, castor wax, carnauba wax,
and glyceryl behenate.
Description
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
Due to the difficulties presented by the pharmacotherapy of pain,
particularly chronic pain, opioid analgesics are ideal drugs to be
administered as controlled release formulations. The present
invention relates to a solid, controlled-release oral dosage form
for use in the treatment of pain.
It is the intent of all controlled (slow) release formulations to
provide a longer period of pharmacological action after
administration than is ordinarily obtained after administration of
immediate-release dosage forms. Such longer periods of response
provide for many therapeutic benefits that are not achieved with
corresponding short acting, immediate release preparations. Thus,
therapy may be continued without interrupting the sleep of the
patient, which is of special importance, for example, when treating
a patient for moderate to severe pain (e.g., a post-surgery
patient, a cancer patient, etc.), or for those patients who
experience migraine headaches on awakening, as well as for the
debilitated patient for whom sleep is essential.
Unless conventional rapid acting drug therapy is carefully
administered at frequent intervals to maintain effective steady
state plasma concentrations of the drug, peaks and valleys in the
plasma level of the active drug occurs because of the rapid
absorption, systemic excretion of the compound and through
metabolic inactivation, thereby producing special problems in
maintenance therapy of the patient. A further general advantage of
longer acting drug preparations is improved patient compliance
resulting from the avoidance of missed doses through patient
forgetfulness.
It is known in the pharmaceutical art to prepare compositions which
provide for controlled release of pharmacologically active
substances contained in the compositions after oral administration
to humans and animals. Such slow release compositions are used to
delay absorption of a medicament until it has reached certain
portions of the alimentary tract. Such controlled release of a
medicament in the alimentary tract further maintains a desired
concentration of said medicament in the blood stream for a longer
duration than would occur if conventional rapid release dosage
forms are administered.
The prior art teaching of the preparation and use of compositions
providing the controlled release of an active compound from a
carrier is basically concerned with the release of the active
substance into the physiologic fluid of the alimentary tract.
However, it is generally recognized that the mere presence of an
active substance in the gastrointestinal fluids does not, by
itself, ensure bioavailability.
In order to be absorbed, the active drug substance must be in
solution. The time required for a given proportion of an active
substance from a unit dosage form is determined as the proportion
of the amount of active drug substance released from a unit dosage
form over a specified time base by a test method conducted under
standardized conditions. The physiologic fluids of the
gastrointestinal tract are the media for determining dissolution
time. The present state of the art recognizes many satisfactory
test procedures to measure dissolution time for pharmaceutical
compositions, and these test procedures are described in official
compendia worldwide.
Although there are many diverse factors which influence the
dissolution of a drug substance from its carrier, the dissolution
time determined for a pharmacologically active substance from the
specific composition is relatively constant and reproducible. Among
the different factors which may affect the dissolution time are the
surface area of the drug substance presented to the dissolution
solvent medium, the pH of the solution, the solubility of the
substance in the specific solvent medium, and the driving forces of
the saturation concentration of dissolved materials in the solvent
medium. Thus, the dissolution concentration of an active drug
substance is dynamically modified in its steady state as components
are removed from the dissolution medium through absorption across
the tissue site. Under physiologic conditions, the saturation level
of the dissolved materials is replenished from the dosage form
reserve to maintain a relatively uniform and constant dissolution
concentration in the solvent medium providing for a steady state
absorption.
The transport across a tissue absorption site of the
gastrointestinal tract is influenced by the Donnan osmotic
equilibrium forces on both sides of the membrane since the
direction of the driving force is the difference between the
concentrations of active substance on either side of the membrane,
i.e., the amount dissolved in the gastrointestinal fluids and the
amount present in the blood. Since the blood concentrations are
constantly being modified by dilution, circulatory changes, tissue
storage, metabolic conversion and systemic excretion, the flow of
active materials is directed from the gastrointestinal tract into
the blood stream.
Various techniques have been used to prepare controlled release
dosage forms. Specially coated pellets, tablets and capsules
wherein the slow release of the active medicament is brought about
through selective breakdown of the coating of the preparation or
through compounding with a special matrix to affect the release of
a drug are known in the art. Certain controlled release
formulations provide for related sequential release of a single
dose of an active compound at predetermined periods after
administration.
Specific examples of controlled release opioid formulations
reported in the patent literature include, for example, those
disclosed in U.S. Pat. Nos. 4,990,341 and 4,844,909 (Goldie, et
al.), both assigned to the assignee of the present invention and
incorporated herein by reference, describe hydromorphone
compositions wherein the dissolution rate in-vitro of the dosage
form, when measured by the USP Paddle or Basket Method at 100 rpm
in 900 ml aqueous buffer (pH between 1.6 and 7.2) at 37.degree. C.,
is between 12.5 and 42.5% (by wt) hydromorphone released after 1
hour, between 25 and 55% (by wt) released after 2 hours, between 45
and 75% (by wt) released after 4 hours and between 55 and 85% (by
wt) released after 6 hours, the in-vitro release rate being
independent of pH between pH 1.6 and 7.2 and chosen such that the
peak plasma concentration of hydromorphone obtained in-vivo occurs
between 2 and 4 hours after administration of the dosage form. At
least 12 hours of pain relief is obtained with these hydromorphone
formulations.
It is considered highly desirable to provide controlled-release
dosage formulations of other opioid analgesic drugs which can be
used for moderate pain. It is further considered highly desirable
to provide such controlled-release formulations with
pharmacokinetic properties which provide the most effective pain
management in patients in need of pain therapy.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
It is an object of the present invention to substantially improve
the efficiency and quality of pain management in human patients
experiencing moderate pain.
It is an object of the present invention to provide bioavailable
hydrocodone formulations that substantially improve the efficiency
and quality of pain management.
It is yet another object of the present invention to provide
bioavailable controlled-release hydrocodone formulations which
provide a substantially increased duration of effect as compared to
immediate release hydrocodone formulations, but which provide an
early onset of analgesia.
It is a further object of the invention to provide orally
administrable controlled release opioid formulations suitable for
twice-a-day administration which provide an early onset of
therapeutic effect and which, after rising to a maximum
concentration during the dosage interval, provide a relatively flat
serum plasma profile, meaning that the plasma level of the opioid
provides a C.sub.12/C.sub.max ratio of 0.55 to 0.85, and which
provides effective pain relief to the patient. In alternate
embodiments, the dosage form provides a C.sub.12/C.sub.max ratio of
0.65 to 0.75
The above objects and others are attained by virtue of the present
invention, which in certain embodiments, provides a solid oral
controlled-release dosage form comprising an analgesically
effective amount of hydrocodone or a pharmaceutically acceptable
salt thereof and a sufficient amount of a controlled release
material to render the dosage form suitable for twice-a-day
administration, the dosage form after single administration to a
human patient or a population of patients, providing a time to peak
plasma concentration of hydrocodone in-vivo, preferably at from
about 2 to about 8 hours (Tmax), and after attaining a maximum
concentration, providing a C.sub.12/C.sub.max ratio of 0.55 to
0.85.
In certain preferred embodiments, the controlled release dosage
form provides an in-vitro release of from 18% to about 42.5% by
weight of the hydrocodone or salt thereof from the dosage form at
one hour when measured by the USP Basket Method at 100 rpm in 700
ml of Simulated Gastric Fluid (SGF) for 55 minutes at 37.degree. C.
and thereafter switching to 900 ml of Simulated Intestinal Fluid
(SIF) at 37.degree. C.
In certain preferred embodiments, the dissolution rate in-vitro of
the hydrocodone dosage form when measured by the USP Basket method
at 100 rpm in 900 ml aqueous buffer at a pH of 1.2 and 7.5 at
37.degree. C. is from about 25 to about 65% by weight of the
hydrocodone or salt thereof released after 2 hours, from about 45
to about 85% by weight of the hydrocodone or salt thereof released
after 4 hours, and greater than about 60% by weight of the
hydrocodone or salt thereof released after 8 hours. Although the
in-vitro release rate may be either pH-independent or pH-dependent
as desired, in preferred embodiments of the invention the release
of hydrocodone is pH-independent.
In certain preferred embodiments, there is provided a controlled
release dosage form comprising a therapeutically effective amount
of hydrocodone wherein the dosage form provides a hydrocodone
plasma plasma concentration of at least 5 or 6 ng/ml, at 12 hours
after administration and provides a plasma plasma concentration of
at least about 8 ng/ml at from about 2 to about 8 hours after
administration.
In other preferred embodiments of the invention, there is provided
a twice-a-day oral controlled release dosage form of hydrocodone
which provides a Cmax of hydrocodone which is less than about 50%
of the Cmax of an equivalent dose of an immediate release
hydrocodone reference formulation (e.g. Lortab.RTM.), and which
provides effective analgesia during the 12 hour dosage
interval.
In other preferred embodiments of the invention, there is provided
a twice-a-day controlled release dosage form of hydrocodone wherein
the dosage form provides a time to 80% Cmax which is from about 90%
to about 150%, preferably from about 90% to about 110%, of the time
to 80% Cmax of an equivalent dose of immediate release hydrocodone
reference formulation (e.g. Lortab). Preferably, the time to 80%
Cmax of hydrocodone for the controlled release dosage form being
from about 0.5 to about 1.5 hours, most preferably from about 0.8
to about 1.2 hours. In alternate embodiments, the time to 80% Cmax
of hydrocodone for the controlled release dosage form is from about
0.75 to about 2.0 hours, most preferably from about 0.9 to about
1.5 hours.
In other preferred embodiments of the invention, there is provided
a twice-a-day controlled release dosage form of hydrocodone wherein
the dosage form provides a time to 90% Cmax which is about 150% to
about 400%, preferably from about 150% to about 250%, of the time
to 90% Cmax of an equivalent dose of immediate release hydrocodone
reference formulation. Preferably, the time to 90% Cmax of
hydrocodone for the controlled release dosage form is from about
1.5 to about 2.5 hours, most preferably from about 1.8 to about 2.2
hours. In alternate embodiments, the time to 90% Cmax of
hydrocodone for the controlled release dosage form is from about
1.5 to about 4.0 hours, most preferably from about 1.8 to about 2.5
hours.
In other preferred embodiments of the invention, there is provided
a twice-a-day controlled release dosage form of hydrocodone wherein
the dosage form maintains a plasma concentration within 80% of Cmax
from about 0.5 to 10 hours, preferably from about Ito about 9 hours
or from about 4 to about 8 hours.
In other preferred embodiments of the invention, there is provided
a twice-a-day controlled release dosage form of hydrocodone which
maintains a plasma plasma concentration of hydrocodone within 90%
of Cmax from about 1 to 6.5 hours, preferably from about 2 to about
5 hours or from about 2 to about 6.5 hours.
In other preferred embodiments of the invention, there is provided
a twice-a-day controlled release dosage form of hydrocodone which
provides a mean in-vivo absorption rate from administration to
T.sub.max from about 1.5 mg/hour to about 5 mg/hour and provides a
mean rate of absorption from T.sub.max to the end of the dosing
interval which is less than about 0.5 mg/hour based on oral
administration of a dosage form containing 15 mg hydrocodone
bitartrate. Preferably, the dosage form provides a mean in-vivo
absorption rate from administration to T.sub.max from about 2
mg/hour to about 4 mg/hour and provides a mean in-vivo absorption
rate T.sub.max to the end of the 12 hour dosing interval which is
from about 0.08 mg/hour to about 0.4 mg/hour based on oral
administration of a dosage form containing 15 mg hydrocodone
bitartrate.
In other preferred embodiments of the invention, there is provided
a twice-a-day oral controlled release hydrocodone dosage form which
provides a rate of absorption during the time period from T.sub.max
to about 12 hours after oral administration of the dosage form
which is from about 55% to about 85% of the rate of elimination
during the same time period.
The above embodiments of the invention, as well as other
embodiments, preferably provide a time to T.sub.max at a time point
3 to 4 times later than the T.sub.max provided by an equivalent
dose of an immediate release hydrocodone reference. Preferably, the
T.sub.max provided by the sustained release formulation occurs at
from about 2 to about 8 hours, from about 3 to about 7 hours or
from about 4 to about 6 hours after oral administration.
The present invention is further directed to hydrocodone
formulations which provide a Cmax of hydrocodone which is less than
about 50%, preferably less than about 40% of the Cmax provided by
an equivalent dose of an immediate release reference product.
For example, it was surprisingly discovered that when hydrocodone
is formulated in the delivery system as disclosed in U.S. Pat. Nos.
4,861,598 and 4,970,075, the Cmax of hydrocodone provided by the
delivery system as a percentage of the Cmax of an immediate release
reference product was considerably lower than the same calculation
for oxycodone formulated in the same delivery system. This
phenomena is evident, regardless of the fact that the controlled
release oxycodone and hydrocodone formulations exhibited similar
in-vitro dissolution parameters.
When the present invention is formulated using the delivery systems
U.S. Pat. Nos. 4,861,598 and 4,970,075, the Cmax of the delivery
system as a percentage of the Cmax of the immediate release
reference product is less than about 50%, and less than 40% in
preferred embodiments, whereas oxycodone, exhibits a calculation of
greater than 50%.
"Hydrocodone" is defined for purposes of the invention as including
hydrocodone free base, as well as pharmaceutically acceptable salts
and complexes of hydrocodone.
The term "USP Paddle or Basket Method" is the Paddle and Basket
Method described, e.g., in U.S. Pharmacopoeia XXII (1990), herein
incorporated by reference.
The term "pH-dependent" for purposes of the present invention is
defined as having characteristics (e.g. dissolution) which vary
according to environmental pH.
The term "pH-independent" for purposes of the present invention is
defined as having characteristics (e.g., dissolution) which are
substantially unaffected by pH.
The term "bioavailability" is defined for purposes of the present
invention as the extent to which the drug (e.g., hydrocodone) is
absorbed from the unit dosage forms.
The term "controlled-release" is defined for purposes of the
present invention as the release of the drug (e.g., hydrocodone) at
such a rate that blood (e.g., plasma) concentrations are maintained
within the therapeutic range but below toxic concentrations over a
period of time of about 12 hours or longer.
The term "Cmax" denotes the maximum plasma concentration obtained
during the dosing interval.
The term "T.sub.max" denotes the time to maximum plasma
concentration (Cmax).
The term T.sub.1/2 (abs) denotes the amount of time necessary for
one-half of the absorbable dose of opioid to be transferred to
plasma.
The term "steady state" means that a plasma concentration for a
given drug has been achieved and which is maintained with
subsequent doses of the drug at a concentration which is at or
above the minimum effective therapeutic concentration and is below
the minimum toxic plasma concentration for a given drug. For opioid
analgesics, the minimum effective therapeutic concentration will be
a partially determined by the amount of pain relief achieved in a
given patient. It will be well understood by those skilled in the
medical art that pain measurement is highly subjective and great
individual variations may occur among patients.
The terms "maintenance therapy" and "chronic therapy" are defined
for purposes of the present invention as the drug therapy
administered to a patient after a patient is titrated with an
opioid analgesic to a steady state as defined above.
The term "minimum effective analgesic concentration" or "MEAC" with
respect to concentrations of opioids such as hydrocodone is very
difficult to quantify. However, there is generally a minimally
effective analgesic concentration of plasma hydrocodone below which
no analgesia is provided. While there is an indirect relationship
between, e.g., plasma hydrocodone levels and analgesia, higher and
prolonged plasma levels are generally associated with superior pain
relief. There is a lag time or hysteresis, between the time of peak
plasma hydrocodone-levels and the time of peak drug effects. This
holds true for the treatment of pain with opioid analgesics in
general.
The term "mean resonance time" (MRT) is defined as the average time
a drug molecule stays in the body. This calculation, which is a
function of absorption, distribution and elimination, is dependent
in part, on the dosage form containing the active ingredient.
For purposes of the invention, unless further specified, the term
"a patient" means that the discussion (or claim) is directed to the
pharmacokinetic parameters of an individual patient or subject.
The term "population of patients" means that the discussion (or
claim) is directed to the mean pharmacokinetic parameters of at
least two patients or subjects.
The term "breakthrough pain" means pain which the patient
experiences despite the fact that the patient is being administered
generally effective amounts of the sustained release solid oral
dosage forms of the invention containing hydromorphone.
The term "rescue" refers to a dose of an analgesic which is
administered to a patient experiencing breakthrough pain.
The term "effective pain management" means an objective evaluation
of a human patient's response (pain experienced versus side
effects) to analgesic treatment by a physician as well as
subjective evaluation of therapeutic treatment by the patient
undergoing such treatment. One skilled in the art will understand
that effective analgesia will vary according to many factors,
including individual patient variability.
The term "immediate release hydrocodone reference formulation" for
purposes of the present invention, is an equivalent amount of the
hydrocodone portion of Lortab.RTM., commercially available from UCB
Pharma, Inc, or a pharmaceutical product that provides an immediate
release of hydrocodone or a salt thereof.
For purposes of the invention, the controlled release formulations
disclosed herein and the immediate release control formulations are
dose proportional. In such formulations, the pharmacokinetic
parameters (e.g. AUC and Cmax) increase linearly from one dosage
strength to another. Therefore the pharmacokinetic parameters of a
particular dose can be inferred from the parameters of a different
dose of the same formulation.
For purposes of the invention, unless otherwise specified, the
pharmacokinetic parameters disclosed herein are based on the
administration of a single dose of a hydrocodone formulation to an
individual patient. Pharmacokinetic parameters based on a patient
population will be specified as "mean" data.
The term "first administration" means a single dose of the present
invention at the initiation of therapy to an individual patient or
a patient population.
The controlled-release oral solid dosage forms of the present
invention surprisingly may be opioid-sparing. It is possible that
the controlled-release oral solid dosage forms of the present
invention may be dosed at a substantially lower daily dosage in
comparison to conventional immediate-release products, with no
difference in analgesic efficacy. At comparable daily dosages,
greater efficacy may result with the use of the controlled-release
oral solid dosage forms of the present invention in comparison to
conventional immediate-release products.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
The figures attached herewith are illustrative of embodiments of
the invention and are not meant to limit the scope of the invention
as encompassed by the claims.
FIG. 1 is a graphical representation of the mean hydrocodone plasma
concentration of Example 1, Example 2, Example 3 and an equivalent
dose of immediate release hydrocodone.
FIG. 2 is a graphical representation of the mean plasma
concentration of Example 1, Example 2 and Example 3, against
different samples of controlled release oxycodone manufactured in
accordance with the procedures of Example 4, and different samples
of controlled release morphine manufactured in accordance with the
procedures of Example 5.
FIG. 3 is a graphical representation of the % fraction hydrocodone
absorbed over time of Example 1, Example 2, Example 3 and an
equivalent dose of immediate release hydrocodone.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
The above embodiments of the invention can be provided by a wide
variety of controlled release formulations known to those skilled
in the art. For example, suitable controlled release dosage forms
are disclosed in U.S. Pat. Nos. 4,861,598 and 4,970,075, hereby
incorporated by reference
In certain embodiments of the present invention, an effective
amount of opioid in immediate release form is included in the
formulation. The immediate release form of the opioid is included
in an amount which is effective to shorten the time to maximum
concentration of the opioid in the blood (e.g., plasma), such that
the T.sub.max is shortened to a time of, e.g., from about 2 to
about 5 hours, or from about 2 to about 4 hours. It has been
discovered that by including such an effective amount of immediate
release opioid in the unit dose, the experience of relatively
higher levels of pain in patients is significantly reduced. In such
embodiments, an effective amount of the opioid in immediate release
form may be coated onto the substrates of the present invention.
For example, where the extended release opioid from the formulation
is due to a controlled release coating, the immediate release layer
would be overcoated on top of the controlled release coating. On
the other hand, the immediate release layer may be coated onto the
surface of substrates wherein the opioid is incorporated in a
controlled release matrix. Where a plurality of the sustained
release substrates comprising an effective unit dose of the opioid
(e.g., multiparticulate systems including pellets, spheres, beads
and the like) are incorporated into a hard gelatin capsule, the
immediate release portion of the opioid dose may be incorporated
into the gelatin capsule via inclusion of the sufficient amount of
immediate release opioid as a powder or granulate within the
capsule. Alternatively, the gelatin capsule itself may be coated
with an immediate release layer of the opioid. One skilled in the
art would recognize still other alternative manners of
incorporating the immediate release opioid portion into the unit
dose. Such alternatives are deemed to be encompassed by the
appended claims.
One advantage of the opioid dosage forms of the present invention
is that therapeutic concentrations are generally achieved
substantially without significant increases in the intensity and/or
degree of concurrent side effects, such as nausea, vomiting, or
drowsiness, which are often associated with high blood
concentrations of opioids. There is also evidence to suggest that
the use of the present dosage forms lead to a reduced risk of drug
addiction.
Active Agent
The controlled release oral dosage forms of the present invention
preferably include from about 0.5 mg to about 1250 mg hydrocodone
or an equivalent amount of a pharmaceutically acceptable salt
thereof. In more preferred embodiments, the dosage form can include
from about 5 mg to about 60 mg, e.g. 15 mg. Suitable
pharmaceutically acceptable salts of hydrocodone include
hydrocodone bitartrate, hydrocodone bitartrate hydrate, hydrocodone
hydrochloride, hydrocodone p-toluenesulfonate, hydrocodone
phosphate, hydrocodone thiosemicarbazone, hydrocodone sulfate,
hydrocodone trifluoroacetate, hydrocodone hemipentahydrate,
hydrocodone pentafluoropropionate, hydrocodone
p-nitrophenylhydrazone, hydrocodone o-methyloxime, hydrocodone
semicarbazone, hydrocodone hydrobromide, hydrocodone mucate,
hydrocodone oleate, hydrocodone phosphate dibasic, hydrocodone
phosphate monobasic, hydrocodone inorganic salt, hydrocodone
organic salt, hydrocodone acetate trihydrate, hydrocodone
bis(heptafluorobutyrate), hydrocodone bis(methylcarbamate),
hydrocodone bis(pentafluoropropionate), hydrocodone bis(pyridine
carboxylate), hydrocodone bis(trifluoroacetate), hydrocodone
chlorhydrate, and hydrocodone sulfate pentahydrate. Preferably, the
hydrocodone is present as the bitartrate salt.
The dosage forms of the present invention may further include one
or more additional drugs which may or may not act synergistically
with the hydrocodone analgesics of the present invention. Examples
of such additional drugs include non-steroidal anti-inflammatory
agents, including ibuprofen, diclofenac, naproxen, benoxaprofen,
flurbiprofen, fenoprofen, flubufen, ketoprofen, indoprofen,
piroprofen, carprofen, oxaprozin, pramoprofen, muroprofen,
trioxaprofen, suprofen, aminoprofen, tiaprofenic acid, fluprofen,
bucloxic acid, indomethacin, sulindac, tolmetin, zomepirac,
tiopinac, zidometacin, acemetacin, fentiazac, clidanac, oxpinac,
mefenamic acid, meclofenamic acid, flufenamic acid, niflumic acid
tolfenamic acid, diflurisal, flufenisal, piroxicam, sudoxicam or
isoxicam, and the like. Such non-steroidal anti-inflammatory agents
also include cyclo-oxygenase inhibitors such as celecoxib
(SC-58635), DUP-697, flosulide (CGP-28238), meloxicam, 6-methoxy-2
naphthylacetic acid (6-MNA), Vioxx (MK-966), nabumetone (prodrug
for 6-MNA), nimesulide, NS-398, SC-5766, SC-58215, and T-614. as
amantadine (1-aminoadamantine), and memantine (3,5
dimethylaminoadamantone), their mixtures and pharmaceutically
acceptable salts thereof.
Other additional drugs include nontoxic NMDA receptor antagonists
such dextrorphan, dextromethorphan,
3-(1-naphthalennyl)-5-(phosphonomethyl)-L-phenylalanine,
341-naphthalenyl)-5-(phosphonomethyl)-DL-phenylalanine,
1-(3,5-dimethylphenyl)naphthalene, and
2-(3,5-dimethylphenyl)naphthalene,
2SR,4RS-4-(((1H-Tetrazol-5-yl)methyl)oxy)piperidine-2-carboxylic
acid;
2SR,4RS-4-((((1H-Tetrazol-5-yl)methyl)oxy)methyl)piperidine-2-carboxylic
acid; E and Z
2SR-4-(O-(1H-Tetrazol-5-yl)methyl)ketoximino)piperidine-2-carboxylic
acid; 2SR,4RS-4-((1H-Tetrazol-5-yl)thio)piperidine-2-carboxylic
acid; 2 SR,4RS-4-((1H-Tetrazol-5-yl)thio)piperidine-2-carboxylic
acid;
2SR,4RS-4-(5-mercapto-1H-Tetrazol-1-yl)piperidine-2-carboxylic
acid;
2SR,4RS-4-(5-mercapto-2H-Tetrazol-2-yl)piperidine-2-carboxylic
acid;
2SR,4RS-4-(5-mercapto-1H-Tetrazol-1-yl)piperidine-2-carboxylic
acid;
2SR,4RS-4-(5-mercapto-2H-Tetrazol-2-yl)piperidine-2-carboxylic
acid;
2SR,4RS-4-(((1H-Tetrazol-5-yl)thio)methyl)piperidine-2-carboxylic
acid;
2SR,4RS-4-((5-mercapto-1H-Tetrazol-1-yl)methyl)piperidine-2-carboxylic
acid; or 2
SR,4RS-4-((5-mercapto-2H-Tetrazol-2-yl)methyl)piperidine-2-carboxylic
acid, their mixtures and pharmaceutically acceptable salts
thereof.
Other suitable additional drugs which may be included in the dosage
forms of the present invention include acetaminophen, aspirin,
neuro-active steroids (such as those disclosed in U.S. Ser. No.
09/026,520, filed Feb. 20, 1998, hereby incorporated by reference)
and other non-opioid analgesics.
For example, if a second (non-opioid) drug is included in the
formulation, such drug may be included in controlled release form
or in immediate release form. The additional drug may be
incorporated into the controlled release matrix along with the
opioid; incorporated into the controlled release coating;
incorporated as a separated controlled release layer or immediate
release layer; or may be incorporated as a powder, granulation,
etc., in a gelatin capsule with the substrates of the present
invention.
In certain preferred embodiments of the present invention, an
effective amount of hydrocodone in immediate release form is
included in the controlled release unit dose hydrocodone
formulation to be administered. The immediate release form of the
hydrocodone is included in an amount which is effective to shorten
the time to Cmax of the hydrocodone in the blood (e.g., plasma). In
such embodiments, an effective amount of the hydrocodone in
immediate release form may be coated onto the substrates of the
present invention. For example, where the extended release
hydrocodone from the formulation is due to a controlled release
coating, the immediate release layer would be overcoated on top of
the controlled release coating. On the other hand, the immediate
release layer may be coated onto the surface of substrates wherein
the hydrocodone is incorporated in a controlled release matrix.
Where a plurality of the sustained release substrates comprising an
effective unit dose of the hydrocodone (e.g., multiparticulate
systems including pellets, spheres, beads and the like) are
incorporated into a hard gelatin capsule, the immediate release
portion of the opioid dose may be incorporated into the gelatin
capsule via inclusion of the sufficient amount of immediate release
hydrocodone as a powder or granulate within the capsule.
Alternatively, the gelatin capsule itself may be coated with an
immediate release layer of the hydrocodone. One skilled in the art
would recognize still other alternative manners of incorporating
the immediate release hydromorphone portion into the unit dose.
Such alternatives are deemed to be encompassed by the appended
claims. It has been discovered that by including such an effective
amount of immediate release hydrocodone in the unit dose, the
experience of relatively higher levels of pain in patients is
significantly reduced.
Dosage Forms
The controlled-release dosage form may optionally include a
controlled release material which is incorporated into a matrix
along with the hydrocodone, or which is applied as a sustained
release coating over a substrate comprising the drug (the term
"substrate" encompassing beads, pellets, spheroids, tablets, tablet
cores, etc). The controlled release material may be hydrophobic or
hydrophilic as desired. The oral dosage form according to the
invention may be provided as, for example, granules, spheroids,
pellets (hereinafter collectively referred to as
"multiparticulates"). An amount of the multiparticulates which is
effective to provide the desired dose of opioid over time may be
placed in a capsule or may be incorporated in any other suitable
oral solid form, e.g., compressed into a tablet. On the other hand,
the oral dosage form according to the present invention may be
prepared as a tablet core coated with a controlled-release coating,
or as a tablet comprising a matrix of drug, controlled release
material, and optionally other pharmaceutically desirable
ingredients (e.g., diluents, binders, colorants, lubricants,
etc.).
Controlled Release Matrix Formulations
In certain preferred embodiments of the present invention, the
controlled-release formulation is achieved via a matrix (e.g. a
matrix tablet) which includes a controlled-release material as set
forth above. A dosage form including a controlled-release matrix
provides in-vitro dissolution rates of the opioid within the
preferred ranges and that releases the opioid in a pH-dependent or
pH-independent manner. The materials suitable for inclusion in a
controlled-release matrix will depend on the method used to form
the matrix. The oral dosage form may contain between 1% and 80% (by
weight) of at least one hydrophilic or hydrophobic controlled
release material.
A non-limiting list of suitable controlled-release materials which
may be included in a controlled-release matrix according to the
invention include hydrophilic and/or hydrophobic materials, such as
gums, cellulose ethers, acrylic resins, protein derived materials,
waxes, shellac, and oils such as hydrogenated castor oil,
hydrogenated vegetable oil. However, any pharmaceutically
acceptable hydrophobic or hydrophilic controlled-release material
which is capable of imparting controlled-release of the opioid may
be used in accordance with the present invention. Preferred
controlled-release polymers include alkylcelluloses such as
ethylcellulose, acrylic and methacrylic acid polymers and
copolymers, and cellulose ethers, especially hydroxyalkylcelluloses
(especially hydroxypropylmethylcellulose) and
carboxyalkylcelluloses. Preferred acrylic and methacrylic acid
polymers and copolymers include methyl methacrylate, methyl
methacrylate copolymers, ethoxyethyl methacrylates, cynaoethyl
methacrylate, aminoalkyl methacrylate copolymer, poly(acrylic
acid), poly(methacrylic acid), methacrylic acid alkylamine
copolymer, poly(methyl methacrylate), poly(methacrylic acid)
(anhydride), polymethacrylate, polyacrylamide, poly(methacrylic
acid anhydride), and glycidyl methacrylate copolymers. Certain
preferred embodiments utilize mixtures of any of the foregoing
controlled-release materials in the matrices of the invention.
The matrix also may include a binder. In such embodiments, the
binder preferably contributes to the controlled-release of the
hydrocodone from the controlled-release matrix.
Preferred hydrophobic binder materials are water-insoluble with
more or less pronounced hydrophilic and/or hydrophobic trends.
Preferably, the hydrophobic binder materials useful in the
invention have a melting point from about 30 to about 200.degree.
C., preferably from about 45 to about 90.degree. C. When the
hydrophobic material is a hydrocarbon, the hydrocarbon preferably
has a melting point of between 25.degree. and 90.degree. C. Of the
long chain (C.sub.8-C.sub.50) hydrocarbon materials, fatty
(aliphatic) alcohols are preferred. The oral dosage form may
contain up to 80% (by weight) of at least one digestible, long
chain hydrocarbon.
Preferably, the oral dosage form contains up to 80% (by weight) of
at least one polyalkylene glycol. Specifically, the hydrophobic
binder material may comprise natural or synthetic waxes, fatty
alcohols (such as lauryl, myristyl, stearyl, cetyl or preferably
cetostearyl alcohol), fatty acids, including but not limited to
fatty acid esters, fatty acid glycerides (mono-, di-, and
tri-glycerides), hydrogenated fats, hydrocarbons, normal waxes,
stearic aid, stearyl alcohol and hydrophobic and hydrophilic
materials having hydrocarbon backbones. Suitable waxes include, for
example, beeswax, glycowax, castor wax and carnauba wax. For
purposes of the present invention, a wax-like substance is defined
as any material which is normally solid at room temperature and has
a melting point of from about 30 to about 100.degree. C.
Preferred hydrophobic binder materials which may be used in
accordance with the present invention include digestible, long
chain (C.sub.8-C.sub.50, especially C.sub.12-C.sub.40), substituted
or unsubstituted hydrocarbons, such as fatty acids, fatty alcohols,
glyceryl esters of fatty acids, mineral and vegetable oils, natural
and synthetic waxes and polyalkylene glycols. Hydrocarbons having a
melting point of between 25.degree. and 90.degree. C. are
preferred. Of the long-chain hydrocarbon binder materials, fatty
(aliphatic) alcohols are preferred in certain embodiments. The oral
dosage form may contain up to 80% (by weight) of at least one
digestible, long chain hydrocarbon.
In certain preferred embodiments, a combination of two or more
hydrophobic binder materials are included in the matrix
formulations. If an additional hydrophobic binder material is
included, it is preferably selected from natural and synthetic
waxes, fatty acids, fatty alcohols, and mixtures of the same.
Examples include beeswax, carnauba wax, stearic acid and stearyl
alcohol. This list is not meant to be exclusive.
One particular suitable controlled-release matrix comprises at
least one water soluble hydroxyalkyl cellulose, at least one
C.sub.12-C.sub.36, preferably C.sub.14-C.sub.22, aliphatic alcohol
and, optionally, at least one polyalkylene glycol. The hydroxyalkyl
cellulose is preferably a hydroxy (C.sub.1 to C.sub.6) alkyl
cellulose, such as hydroxypropylcellulose,
hydroxypropylmethylcellulose and, especially, hydroxyethyl
cellulose. The amount of the at least one hydroxyalkyl cellulose in
the present oral dosage form will be determined, inter alia, by the
precise rate of opioid release required. The aliphatic alcohol may
be, for example, lauryl alcohol, myristyl alcohol or stearyl
alcohol. In particularly preferred embodiments of the present oral
dosage form, however, the at least one aliphatic alcohol is cetyl
alcohol or cetostearyl alcohol. The amount of the aliphatic alcohol
in the present oral dosage form will be determined, as above, by
the precise rate of opioid release required. It will also depend on
whether at least one polyalkylene glycol is present in or absent
from the oral dosage form. In the absence of at least one
polyalkylene glycol, the oral dosage form preferably contains
between 20% and 50% (by wt) of the aliphatic alcohol. When a
polyalkylene glycol is present in the oral dosage form, then the
combined weight of the aliphatic alcohol and the polyalkylene
glycol preferably constitutes between 20% and 50% (by wt) of the
total dosage.
In one preferred embodiment, the ratio of, e.g., the at least one
hydroxyalkyl cellulose or acrylic resin to the at least one
aliphatic alcohol/polyalkylene glycol determines, to a considerable
extent, the release rate of the opioid from the formulation. A
ratio of the hydroxyalkyl cellulose to the aliphatic
alcohol/polyalkylene glycol of between 1:2 and 1:4 is preferred,
with a ratio of between 1:3 and 1:4 being particularly
preferred.
The polyalkylene glycol may be, for example, polypropylene glycol
or, which is preferred, polyethylene glycol. The number average
molecular weight of the at least one polyalkylene glycol is
preferred between 1,000 and 15,000 especially between 1,500 and
12,000.
Another suitable controlled-release matrix comprises an
alkylcellulose (especially ethylcellulose), a C.sub.12 to C.sub.36
aliphatic alcohol and, optionally, a polyalkylene glycol.
In addition to the above ingredients, a controlled-release matrix
may also contain suitable quantities of other materials, e.g.,
diluents, lubricants, binders, granulating aids, colorants,
flavorants and glidants that are conventional in the pharmaceutical
art.
In order to facilitate the preparation of a solid,
controlled-release oral dosage form according to this invention
there is provided, in a further aspect of the present invention, a
process for the preparation of a solid, controlled-release oral
dosage form according to the present invention comprising
incorporating opioids or a salt thereof in a controlled-release
matrix. Incorporation in the matrix may be effected, for example,
by
(a) forming granules comprising at least one hydrophobic and/or
hydrophilic material as set forth above (e.g., a water soluble
hydroxyalkyl cellulose) together with the hydrocodone;
(b) mixing the at least one hydrophobic and/or hydrophilic
material-containing granules with at least one C.sub.12-C.sub.36
aliphatic alcohol, and
(c) optionally, compressing and shaping the granules.
The granules may be formed by any of the procedures well-known to
those skilled in the art of pharmaceutical formulation. For
example, in one preferred method, the granules may be formed by wet
granulating hydroxyalkyl cellulose/opioid with water. In a
particularly preferred embodiment of this process, the amount of
water added during the wet granulation step is preferably between
1.5 and 5 times, especially between 1.75 and 3.5 times, the dry
weight of the opioid.
The matrices of the present invention may also be prepared via a
melt pellitization technique. In such circumstance, the opioid in
finely divided form is combined with a binder (also in particulate
form) and other optional inert ingredients, and thereafter the
mixture is pelletized, e.g., by mechanically working the mixture in
a high shear mixer to form the pellets (granules, spheres).
Thereafter, the pellets (granules, spheres) may be sieved in order
to obtain pellets of the requisite size. The binder material is
preferably in particulate form and has a melting point above about
40.degree. C. Suitable binder substances include, for example,
hydrogenated castor oil, hydrogenated vegetable oil, other
hydrogenated fats, fatty alcohols, fatty acid esters, fatty acid
glycerides, and the like.
Controlled-release matrices can also be prepared by, e.g.,
melt-granulation or melt-extrusion techniques. Generally,
melt-granulation techniques involve melting a normally solid
hydrophobic binder material, e.g. a wax, and incorporating a
powdered drug therein. To obtain a controlled release dosage form,
it may be necessary to incorporate a hydrophobic controlled release
material, e.g. ethylcellulose or a water-insoluble acrylic polymer,
into the molten wax hydrophobic binder material. Examples of
controlled-release formulations prepared via melt-granulation
techniques are found, e.g., in U.S. Pat. No. 4,861,598, assigned to
the Assignee of the present invention and hereby incorporated by
reference in its entirety.
The additional hydrophobic binder material may comprise one or more
water-insoluble wax-like thermoplastic substances possibly mixed
with one or more wax-like thermoplastic substances being less
hydrophobic than said one or more water-insoluble wax-like
substances. In order to achieve controlled release, the individual
wax-like substances in the formulation should be substantially
non-degradable and insoluble in gastrointestinal fluids during the
initial release phases. Useful water-insoluble wax-like binder
substances may be those with a water-solubility that is lower than
about 1:5,000 (w/w).
In addition to the above ingredients, a controlled release matrix
may also contain suitable quantities of other materials, e.g.,
diluents, lubricants, binders, granulating aids, colorants,
flavorants and glidants that are conventional in the pharmaceutical
art in amounts up to about 50% by weight of the particulate if
desired. The quantities of these additional materials will be
sufficient to provide the desired effect to the desired
formulation.
Specific examples of pharmaceutically acceptable carriers and
excipients that may be used to formulate oral dosage forms are
described in the Handbook of Pharmaceutical Excipients, American
Pharmaceutical Association (1986), incorporated by reference
herein.
The preparation of a suitable melt-extruded matrix according to the
present invention may, for example, include the steps of blending
the opioid analgesic, together with a controlled release material
and preferably a binder material to obtain a homogeneous mixture.
The homogeneous mixture is then heated to a temperature sufficient
to at least soften the mixture sufficiently to extrude the same.
The resulting homogeneous mixture is then extruded, e.g., using a
twin-screw extruder, to form strands. The extrudate is preferably
cooled and cut into multiparticulates by any means known in the
art. The strands are cooled and cut into multiparticulates. The
multiparticulates are then divided into unit doses. The extrudate
preferably has a diameter of from about 0.1 to about 5 mm and
provides controlled release of the therapeutically active agent for
a time period of from about 8 to about 24 hours.
An optional process for preparing the melt extrusioned formulations
of the present invention includes directly metering into an
extruder a hydrophobic controlled release material, a
therapeutically active agent, and an optional binder material;
heating the homogenous mixture; extruding the homogenous mixture to
thereby form strands; cooling the strands containing the
homogeneous mixture; cutting the strands into particles having a
size from about 0.1 mm to about 12 mm; and dividing said particles
into unit doses. In this aspect of the invention, a relatively
continuous manufacturing procedure is realized.
Plasticizers, such as those described hereinabove, may be included
in melt-extruded matrices. The plasticizer is preferably included
as from about 0.1 to about 30% by weight of the matrix. Other
pharmaceutical excipients, e.g., talc, mono or poly saccharides,
colorants, flavorants, lubricants and the like may be included in
the controlled release matrices of the present invention as
desired. The amounts included will depend upon the desired
characteristic to be achieved.
The diameter of the extruder aperture or exit port can be adjusted
to vary the thickness of the extruded strands. Furthermore, the
exit part of the extruder need not be round; it can be oblong,
rectangular, etc. The exiting strands can be reduced to particles
using a hot wire cutter, guillotine, etc. A melt extruded
multiparticulate system can be, for example, in the form of
granules, spheroids or pellets depending upon the extruder exit
orifice. For purposes of the present invention, the terms
"melt-extruded multiparticulate(s)" and "melt-extruded
multiparticulate system(s)" and "melt-extruded particles" shall
refer to a plurality of units, preferably within a range of similar
size and/or shape and containing one or more active agents and one
or more excipients, preferably including a hydrophobic controlled
release material as described herein. Preferably the melt-extruded
multiparticulates will be of a range of from about 0.1 to about 12
mm in length and have a diameter of from about 0.1 to about 5 mm.
In addition, it is to be understood that the melt-extruded
multiparticulates can be any geometrical shape within this size
range, such as, simply by way of example, beads, seeds, pellets,
etc. Alternatively, the extrudate may simply be cut into desired
lengths and divided into unit doses of the therapeutically active
agent without the need of a spheronization step.
In one preferred embodiment, oral dosage forms are prepared that
include an effective amount of melt-extruded multiparticulates
within a capsule. For example, a plurality of the melt-extruded
multiparticulates may be placed in a gelatin capsule in an amount
sufficient to provide an effective controlled release dose when
ingested and contacted by gastric fluid.
In another preferred embodiment, a suitable amount of the
multiparticulate extrudate is compressed into an oral tablet using
conventional tableting equipment using standard techniques.
Techniques and compositions for making tablets (compressed and
molded), capsules (hard and soft gelatin) and pills are also
described in Remington's Pharmaceutical Sciences, (Arthur Osol,
editor), 1553-1593 (1980), incorporated by reference herein.
In yet another preferred embodiment, the extrudate can be shaped
into tablets as set forth in U.S. Pat. No. 4,957,681 (Klimesch, et.
al.), described in additional detail above and hereby incorporated
by reference.
Optionally, the controlled-release matrix multiparticulate systems
or tablets can be coated, or the gelatin capsule can be further
coated, with a controlled release coating such as the controlled
release coatings described above. Such coatings preferably include
a sufficient amount of hydrophobic and/or hydrophilic
controlled-release material to obtain a weight gain level from
about 2 to about 25 percent, although the overcoat may be greater
depending upon, e.g., the physical properties of the particular
opioid analgesic used and the desired release rate, among other
things.
The dosage forms of the present invention may further include
combinations of melt-extruded multiparticulates containing one or
more opioid analgesics. Furthermore, the dosage forms can also
include an amount of an immediate release therapeutically active
agent for prompt therapeutic effect. The immediate release
therapeutically active agent may be incorporated, e.g., as separate
pellets within a gelatin capsule, or may be coated on the surface
of, e.g., beads or melt extruded multiparticulates. The unit dosage
forms of the present invention may also contain a combination of,
e.g., controlled release beads and matrix multiparticulates to
achieve a desired effect.
The controlled-release formulations of the present invention
preferably slowly release the therapeutically active agent, e.g.,
when ingested and exposed to gastric fluids, and then to intestinal
fluids. The controlled-release profile of the melt-extruded
formulations of the invention can be altered, for example, by
varying the amount of controlled-release material, by varying the
amount of plasticizer relative to other matrix constituents,
hydrophobic material, by the inclusion of additional ingredients or
excipients, by altering the method of manufacture, etc.
In other embodiments of the invention, melt-extruded formulations
are prepared without the inclusion of the therapeutically active
agent, which is added thereafter to the extrudate. Such
formulations typically will have the therapeutically active agent
blended together with the extruded matrix material, and then the
mixture would be tableted in order to provide a slow release
formulation. Such formulations may be advantageous, for example,
when the therapeutically active agent included in the formulation
is sensitive to temperatures needed for softening the hydrophobic
material and/or the retardant material.
Typical melt-extrusion production systems suitable for use in
accordance with the present invention include a suitable extruder
drive motor having variable speed and constant torque control,
start-stop controls, and ammeter. In addition, the production
system will include a temperature control console which includes
temperature sensors, cooling means and temperature indicators
throughout the length of the extruder. In addition, the production
system will include an extruder such as twin-screw extruder which
consists of two counter-rotating intermeshing screws enclosed
within a cylinder or barrel having an aperture or die at the exit
thereof. The feed materials enter through a feed hopper and are
moved through the barrel by the screws and are forced through the
die into strands which are thereafter conveyed such as by a
continuous movable belt to allow for cooling and being directed to
a pelletizer or other suitable device to render the extruded ropes
into the multiparticulate system. The pelletizer can consist of
rollers, fixed knife, rotating cutter and the like. Suitable
instruments and systems are available from distributors such as
C.W. Brabender Instruments, Inc. of South Hackensack, N.J. Other
suitable apparatus will be apparent to those of ordinary skill in
the art.
A further aspect of the invention is related to the preparation of
melt-extruded multiparticulates as set forth above in a manner
which controls the amount of air included in the extruded product.
By controlling the amount of air included in the extrudate, it has
been surprisingly found that the release rate of the
therapeutically active agent from the e.g., multiparticulate
extrudate, can be altered significantly. In certain embodiments, it
has been surprisingly found that the pH dependency of the extruded
product can be altered as well.
Thus, in a further aspect of the invention, the melt-extruded
product is prepared in a manner which substantially excludes air
during the extrusion phase of the process. This may be
accomplished, for example, by using a Leistritz extruder having a
vacuum attachment. It has been surprisingly found that extruded
multiparticulates prepared according to the invention using the
Leistritz extruder under vacuum provides a melt-extruded product
having different physical characteristics. In particular, the
extrudate is substantially non-porous when magnified, e.g., using a
scanning electron microscope which provides an SEM (scanning
electron micrograph). Contrary to conventional thought, it has been
found that such substantially non-porous formulations provide a
faster release of the therapeutically active agent, relative to the
same formulation prepared without vacuum. SEMs of the
multiparticulates prepared using an extruder under vacuum appear
very smooth, and the multiparticulates tend to be more robust than
those multiparticulates prepared without vacuum. It has been
observed that in at least certain formulations, the use of
extrusion under vacuum provides an extruded multiparticulate
product which is more pH-dependent than its counterpart formulation
prepared without vacuum.
Processes for Preparing Matrix Beads
Controlled-release dosage forms according to the present invention
may also be prepared as matrix beads formulations. The matrix beads
include a spheronising agent and the hydrocodone.
The hydrocodone preferably comprises from about 0.01 to about 99%
by weight of the matrix bead by weight. It is preferable that the
hydrocodone is included as about 0.1 to about 50% by weight of the
matrix bead.
Spheronising agents which may be used to prepare the matrix bead
formulations of the present invention include any art-known
spheronising agent. Cellulose derivatives are preferred, and
microcrystalline cellulose is especially preferred. A suitable
microcrystalline cellulose is, for example, the material sold as
Avicel PH 101 (Trade Mark, FMC Corporation). The spheronising agent
is preferably included as about 1 to about 99% of the matrix bead
by weight.
In addition to the active ingredient and spheronizing agent, the
spheroids may also contain a binder. Suitable binders, such as low
viscosity, water soluble polymers, will be well known to those
skilled in the pharmaceutical art. However, water soluble hydroxy
lower alkylcellulose, such as hydroxypropylcellulose, are
preferred.
In addition to the opioid analgesic and spheronising agent, the
matrix bead formulations of the present invention may include a
controlled release material such as those described hereinabove.
Preferred controlled-release materials for inclusion in the matrix
bead formulations include acrylic and methacrylic acid polymers or
copolymers, and ethylcellulose. When present in the formulation,
the controlled-release material will be included in amounts of from
about 1 to about 80% of the matrix bead, by weight. The
controlled-release material is preferably included in the matrix
bead formulation in an amount effective to provide controlled
release of the opioid analgesic from the bead.
Pharmaceutical processing aids such as binders, diluents, and the
like may be included in the matrix bead formulations. Amounts of
these agents included in the formulations will vary with the
desired effect to be exhibited by the formulation.
The matrix beads may be overcoated with a controlled-release
coating including a controlled-release material such as those
described hereinabove. The controlled-release coating is applied to
a weight gain of from about 5 to about 30%. The amount of the
controlled-release coating to be applied will vary according to a
variety of factors, e.g., the composition of the matrix bead and
the chemical and/or physical properties of the opioid analgesic
(i.e., hydrocodone).
Matrix beads are generally prepared by granulating the spheronising
agent together with the opioid analgesic, e.g. by wet granulation.
The granulate is then spheronized to produce the matrix beads. The
matrix beads are then optionally overcoated with the controlled
release coating by methods such as those described hereinabove.
Another method for preparing matrix beads, for example, by (a)
forming granules comprising at least one water soluble hydroxyalkyl
cellulose and opioid or an opioid salt; (b) mixing the hydroxyalkyl
cellulose containing granules with at least one C.sub.12-C.sub.36
aliphatic alcohol; and (c) optionally, compressing and shaping the
granules. Preferably, the granules are formed by wet granulating
the hydroxyalkyl cellulose/opioid with water. In a particularly
preferred embodiment of this process, the amount of water added
during the wet granulation step is preferably between 1.5 and 5
times, especially between 1.75 and 3.5 times, the dry weight of the
opioid.
In yet other alternative embodiments, a spheronizing agent,
together with the active ingredient can be spheronized to form
spheroids. Microcrystalline cellulose is preferred. A suitable
microcrystalline cellulose is, for example, the material sold as
Avicel PH 101 (Trade Mark, FMC Corporation). In such embodiments,
in addition to the active ingredient and spheronizing agent, the
spheroids may also contain a binder. Suitable binders, such as low
viscosity, water soluble polymers, will be well known to those
skilled in the pharmaceutical art. However, water soluble hydroxy
lower alkyl cellulose, such as hydroxy propyl cellulose, are
preferred. Additionally (or alternatively) the spheroids may
contain a water insoluble polymer, especially an acrylic polymer,
an acrylic copolymer, such as a methacrylic acid-ethyl acrylate
copolymer, or ethyl cellulose. In such embodiments, the
sustained-release coating will generally include a water insoluble
material such as (a) a wax, either alone or in admixture with a
fatty alcohol; or (b) shellac or zein.
Controlled Release Bead Formulations
In one especially preferred embodiment, the oral dosage form
comprises an effective number of controlled release spheroids
contained within a gelatin capsule.
In another preferred embodiment of the present invention, the
controlled-release dosage form comprises spheroids containing the
active ingredient coated with a controlled-release coating
including a controlled release material. The term spheroid is known
in the pharmaceutical art and means, e.g., a spherical granule
having a diameter of between 0.1 mm and 2.5 mm, especially between
0.5 mm and 2 mm.
The spheroids are preferably film coated with a controlled release
material that permits release of the opioid (or salt) at a
controlled rate in an aqueous medium. The film coat is chosen so as
to achieve, in combination with the other stated properties, the
in-vitro release rate outlined above (e.g., at least about 12.5%
released after 1 hour). The controlled-release coating formulations
of the present invention preferably produce a strong, continuous
film that is smooth and elegant, capable of supporting pigments and
other coating additives, non-toxic, inert, and tack-free.
Coatings
The dosage forms of the present invention may optionally be coated
with one or more coatings suitable for the regulation of release or
for the protection of the formulation. In one embodiment, coatings
are provided to permit either pH-dependent or pH-independent
release, e.g., when exposed to gastrointestinal fluid. When a
pH-independent coating is desired, the coating is designed to
achieve optimal release regardless of pH-changes in the
environmental fluid, e.g., the GI tract. Other preferred
embodiments include a pH-dependent coating that releases the opioid
in desired areas of the gastro-intestinal (GI) tract, e.g., the
stomach or small intestine, such that an absorption profile is
provided which is capable of providing at least about twelve hour
and preferably up to twenty-four hour analgesia to a patient. It is
also possible to formulate compositions which release a portion of
the dose in one desired area of the GI tract, e.g., the stomach,
and release the remainder of the dose in another area of the GI
tract, e.g., the small intestine.
Formulations according to the invention that utilize pH-dependent
coatings may also impart a repeat-action effect whereby unprotected
drug is coated over an enteric coat and is released in the stomach,
while the remainder, being protected by the enteric coating, is
released further down the gastrointestinal tract. Coatings which
are pH-dependent may be used in accordance with the present
invention include a controlled release material such as, e.g.,
shellac, cellulose acetate phthalate (CAP), polyvinyl acetate
phthalate (PVAP), hydroxypropyl methylcellulose phthalate, and
methacrylic acid ester copolymers, zein, and the like.
In another preferred embodiment, the present invention is related
to a stabilized solid controlled dosage form comprising an opioid
coated with a hydrophobic controlled release material selected from
(i) an alkylcellulose; (ii) an acrylic polymer; or (iii) mixtures
thereof. The coating may be applied in the form of an organic or
aqueous solution or dispersion.
In certain preferred embodiments, the controlled release coating is
derived from an aqueous dispersion of the hydrophobic controlled
release material. The coated substrate containing the opioid(s)
(e.g., a tablet core or inert pharmaceutical beads or spheroids) is
then cured until an endpoint is reached at which the substrate
provides a stable dissolution. The curing endpoint may be
determined by comparing the dissolution profile (curve) of the
dosage form immediately after curing to the dissolution profile
(curve) of the dosage form after exposure to accelerated storage
conditions of, e.g., at least one month at a temperature of
40.degree. C. and a relative humidity of 75%. These formulations
are described in detail in U.S. Pat. Nos. 5,273,760 and 5,286,493,
assigned to the Assignee of the present invention and hereby
incorporated by reference. Other examples of controlled-release
formulations and coatings which may be used in accordance with the
present invention include Assignee's U.S. Pat. Nos. 5,324,351;
5,356,467, and 5,472,712, hereby incorporated by reference in their
entirety.
In preferred embodiments, the controlled release coatings include a
plasticizer such as those described herein below.
In certain embodiments, it is necessary to overcoat the substrate
comprising the opioid analgesic with a sufficient amount of the
aqueous dispersion of e.g., alkylcellulose or acrylic polymer, to
obtain a weight gain level from about 2 to about 50%, e.g., about 2
to about 25% in order to obtain a controlled-release formulation.
The overcoat may be lesser or greater depending upon the physical
properties of the therapeutically active agent and the desired
release rate, the inclusion of plasticizer in the aqueous
dispersion and the manner of incorporation of the same, for
example.
Alkylcellulose Polymers
Cellulosic materials and polymers, including alkylcelluloses are
controlled release materials well suited for coating the
substrates, e.g., beads, tablets, etc. according to the invention.
Simply by way of example, one preferred alkylcellulosic polymer is
ethylcellulose, although the artisan will appreciate that other
cellulose and/or alkylcellulose polymers may be readily employed,
singly or on any combination, as all or part of a hydrophobic
coatings according to the invention.
One commercially-available aqueous dispersion of ethylcellulose is
Aquacoat.RTM. (FMC Corp., Philadelphia, Pa., U.S.A.). Aquacoat.RTM.
is prepared by dissolving the ethylcellulose in a water-immiscible
organic solvent and then emulsifying the same in water in the
presence of a surfactant and a stabilizer. After homogenization to
generate submicron droplets, the organic solvent is evaporated
under vacuum to form a pseudolatex. The plasticizer is not
incorporated in the pseudolatex during the manufacturing phase.
Thus, prior to using the same as a coating, it is necessary to
intimately mix the Aquacoat.RTM. with a suitable plasticizer prior
to use.
Another aqueous dispersion of ethylcellulose is commercially
available as Surelease.RTM. (Colorcon, Inc., West Point, Pa.,
U.S.A.). This product is prepared by incorporating plasticizer into
the dispersion during the manufacturing process. A hot melt of a
polymer, plasticizer (dibutyl sebacate), and stabilizer (oleic
acid) is prepared as a homogeneous mixture, which is then diluted
with an alkaline solution to obtain an aqueous dispersion which can
be applied directly onto substrates.
Acrylic Polymers
In other preferred embodiments of the present invention, the
controlled release material comprising the controlled-release
coating is a pharmaceutically acceptable acrylic polymer, including
but not limited to acrylic acid and methacrylic acid copolymers,
methyl methacrylate copolymers, ethoxyethyl methacrylates,
cynaoethyl methacrylate, poly(acrylic acid), poly(methacrylic
acid), methacrylic acid alkylamide copolymer, poly(methyl
methacrylate), polymethacrylate, poly(methyl methacrylate)
copolymer, polyacrylamide, aminoalkyl methacrylate copolymer,
poly(methacrylic acid anhydride), and glycidyl methacrylate
copolymers.
In certain preferred embodiments, the acrylic polymer is comprised
of one or more ammonia methacrylate copolymers. Ammonia
methacrylate copolymers are well known in the art, and are
described in NF XVII as fully polymerized copolymers of acrylic and
methacrylic acid esters with a low content of quaternary ammonium
groups.
In order to obtain a desirable dissolution profile, it may be
necessary to incorporate two or more ammonia methacrylate
copolymers having differing physical properties, such as different
molar ratios of the quaternary ammonium groups to the neutral
(meth)acrylic esters.
Certain methacrylic acid ester-type polymers are useful for
preparing pH-dependent coatings which may be used in accordance
with the present invention. For example, there are a family of
copolymers synthesized from diethylaminoethyl methacrylate and
other neutral methacrylic esters, also known as methacrylic acid
copolymer or polymeric methacrylates, commercially available as
Eudragit.RTM. from Rohm Tech, Inc. There are several different
types of Eudragit.RTM.. For example, Eudragit E is an example of a
methacrylic acid copolymer which swells and dissolves in acidic
media. Eudragit L is a methacrylic acid copolymer which does not
swell at about pH<5.7 and is soluble at about pH>6. Eudragit
S does not swell at about pH<6.5 and is soluble at about
pH>7. Eudragit RL and Eudragit RS are water swellable, and the
amount of water absorbed by these polymers is pH-dependent,
however, dosage forms coated with Eudragit RL and RS are
pH-independent.
In certain preferred embodiments, the acrylic coating comprises a
mixture of two acrylic resin lacquers commercially available from
Rohm Pharma under the Tradenames Eudragit.RTM. RL30D and
Eudragit.RTM. RS30D, respectively. Eudragit.RTM. RL30D and
Eudragit.RTM. RS30D are copolymers of acrylic and methacrylic
esters with a low content of quaternary ammonium groups, the molar
ratio of ammonium groups to the remaining neutral (meth)acrylic
esters being 1:20 in Eudragit.RTM. RL30D and 1:40 in Eudragit.RTM.
RS30D. The mean molecular weight is about 150,000. The code
designations RL (high permeability) and RS (low permeability) refer
to the permeability properties of these agents. Eudragit.RTM. RL/RS
mixtures are insoluble in water and in digestive fluids. However,
coatings formed from the same are swellable and permeable in
aqueous solutions and digestive fluids.
The Eudragit.RTM. RL/RS dispersions of the present invention may be
mixed together in any desired ratio in order to ultimately obtain a
controlled-release formulation having a desirable dissolution
profile. Desirable controlled-release formulations may be obtained,
for instance, from a retardant coating derived from 100%
Eudragit.RTM. RL, 50% Eudragit.RTM. RL and 50% Eudragit.RTM. RS,
and 10% Eudragit.RTM. RL:Eudragit.RTM. 90% RS. Of course, one
skilled in the art will recognize that other acrylic polymers may
also be used, such as, for example, Eudragit.RTM. L.
Plasticizers
In embodiments of the present invention where the coating comprises
an aqueous dispersion of a hydrophobic controlled release material,
the inclusion of an effective amount of a plasticizer in the
aqueous dispersion of hydrophobic material will further improve the
physical properties of the controlled-release coating. For example,
because ethylcellulose has a relatively high glass transition
temperature and does not form flexible films under normal coating
conditions, it is preferable to incorporate a plasticizer into an
ethylcellulose coating containing controlled-release coating before
using the same as a coating material. Generally, the amount of
plasticizer included in a coating solution is based on the
concentration of the film-former, e.g., most often from about 1 to
about 50 percent by weight of the film-former. Concentration of the
plasticizer, however, can only be properly determined after careful
experimentation with the particular coating solution and method of
application.
Examples of suitable plasticizers for ethylcellulose include water
insoluble plasticizers such as dibutyl sebacate, diethyl phthalate,
triethyl citrate, tibutyl citrate, and triacetin, although it is
possible that other water-insoluble plasticizers (such as
acetylated monoglycerides, phthalate esters, castor oil, etc.) may
be used. Triethyl citrate is an especially preferred plasticizer
for the aqueous dispersions of ethyl cellulose of the present
invention.
Examples of suitable plasticizers for the acrylic polymers of the
present invention include, but are not limited to citric acid
esters such as triethyl citrate NF XVI, tributyl citrate, dibutyl
phthalate, and possibly 1,2-propylene glycol. Other plasticizers
which have proved to be suitable for enhancing the elasticity of
the films formed from acrylic films such as Eudragit.RTM. RL/RS
lacquer solutions include polyethylene glycols, propylene glycol,
diethyl phthalate, castor oil, and triacetin. Triethyl citrate is
an especially preferred plasticizer for the aqueous dispersions of
ethyl cellulose of the present invention.
It has further been found that the addition of a small amount of
talc to the controlled release coating reduces the tendency of the
aqueous dispersion to stick during processing, and acts as a
polishing agent.
Preparation of Coated Bead Formulations
When an aqueous dispersion of hydrophobic material is used to coat
substrates, e.g., inert pharmaceutical beads such as nu pariel
18/20 beads, a plurality of the resultant stabilized solid
controlled-release beads may thereafter be placed in a gelatin
capsule in an amount sufficient to provide an effective
controlled-release dose when ingested and contacted by an
environmental fluid, e.g., gastric fluid or dissolution media.
The stabilized controlled-release bead formulations of the present
invention slowly release the opioid analgesic, e.g., when ingested
and exposed to gastric fluids, and then to intestinal fluids. The
controlled-release profile of the formulations of the invention can
be altered, for example, by varying the amount of overcoating with
the aqueous dispersion of hydrophobic controlled release material,
altering the manner in which the plasticizer is added to the
aqueous dispersion of hydrophobic controlled release material, by
varying the amount of plasticizer relative to hydrophobic
controlled release material, by the inclusion of additional
ingredients or excipients, by altering the method of manufacture,
etc. The dissolution profile of the ultimate product may also be
modified, for example, by increasing or decreasing the thickness of
the controlled release coating.
Substrates coated with a therapeutically active agent are prepared,
e.g. by dissolving the therapeutically active agent in water and
then spraying the solution onto a substrate, for example, nu pariel
18/20 beads, using a Wuster insert. Optionally, additional
ingredients are also added prior to coating the beads in order to
assist the binding of the opioid to the beads, and/or to color the
solution, etc. For example, a product which includes hydroxypropyl
methylcellulose, etc. with or without colorant (e.g., Opadry.RTM.,
commercially available from Colorcon, Inc.) may be added to the
solution and the solution mixed (e.g., for about 1 hour) prior to
application of the same onto the substrate. The resultant coated
substrate may then be optionally overcoated with a barrier agent,
to separate the therapeutically active agent from the hydrophobic
controlled-release coating.
An example of a suitable barrier agent is one which comprises
hydroxypropyl methylcellulose. However, any film-former known in
the art may be used. It is preferred that the barrier agent does
not affect the dissolution rate of the final product.
The substrates may then be overcoated with an aqueous dispersion of
the hydrophobic controlled release material. The aqueous dispersion
of hydrophobic controlled release material preferably further
includes an effective amount of plasticizer, e.g. triethyl citrate.
Pre-formulated aqueous dispersions of ethylcellulose, such as
Aquacoat.RTM. or Surelease.RTM., may be used. If Surelease.RTM. is
used, it is not necessary to separately add a plasticizer.
Alternatively, preformulated aqueous dispersions of acrylic
polymers such as Eudragit.RTM. can be used.
The coating solutions of the present invention preferably contain,
in addition to the film--former, plasticizer, and solvent system
(i.e., water), a colorant to provide elegance and product
distinction. Color may be added to the solution of the
therapeutically active agent instead, or in addition to the aqueous
dispersion of hydrophobic material. For example, color can be added
to Aquacoat.RTM. via the use of alcohol or propylene glycol based
color dispersions, milled aluminum lakes and opacifiers such as
titanium dioxide by adding color with shear to water soluble
polymer solution and then using low shear to the plasticized
Aquacoat.RTM.. Alternatively, any suitable method of providing
color to the formulations of the present invention may be used.
Suitable ingredients for providing color to the formulation when an
aqueous dispersion of an acrylic polymer is used include titanium
dioxide and color pigments, such as iron oxide pigments. The
incorporation of pigments, may, however, increase the retard effect
of the coating.
The plasticized aqueous dispersion of hydrophobic controlled
release material may be applied onto the substrate comprising the
therapeutically active agent by spraying using any suitable spray
equipment known in the art. In a preferred method, a Wurster
fluidized-bed system is used in which an air jet, injected from
underneath, fluidizes the core material and effects drying while
the acrylic polymer coating is sprayed on. A sufficient amount of
the aqueous dispersion of hydrophobic material to obtain a
predetermined controlled-release of said therapeutically active
agent when said coated substrate is exposed to aqueous solutions,
e.g. gastric fluid, is preferably applied, taking into account the
physical characteristics of the therapeutically active agent, the
manner of incorporation of the plasticizer, etc. After coating with
the hydrophobic controlled release material, a further overcoat of
a film-former, such as Opadry.RTM., is optionally applied to the
beads. This overcoat is provided, if at all, in order to
substantially reduce agglomeration of the beads.
The release of the therapeutically active agent from the
controlled-release formulation of the present invention can be
further influenced, i.e., adjusted to a desired rate, by the
addition of one or more release-modifying agents, or by providing
one or more passageways through the coating. The ratio of
hydrophobic controlled release material to water soluble material
is determined by, among other factors, the release rate required
and the solubility characteristics of the materials selected.
The release-modifying agents which function as pore-formers may be
organic or inorganic, and include materials that can be dissolved,
extracted or leached from the coating in the environment of use.
The pore-formers may comprise one or more hydrophilic materials
such as hydroxypropylmethylcellulose.
The controlled-release coatings of the present invention can also
include erosion-promoting agents such as starch and gums.
The controlled-release coatings of the present invention can also
include materials useful for making microporous lamina in the
environment of use, such as polycarbonates comprised of linear
polyesters of carbonic acid in which carbonate groups reoccur in
the polymer chain.
The release-modifying agent may also comprise a semi-permeable
polymer. In certain preferred embodiments, the release-modifying
agent is selected from hydroxypropylmethylcellulose, lactose, metal
stearates, and mixtures of any of the foregoing.
The controlled-release coatings of the present invention may also
include an exit means comprising at least one passageway, orifice,
or the like. The passageway may be formed by such methods as those
disclosed in U.S. Pat. Nos. 3,845,770; 3,916,889; 4,063,064; and
4,088,864, all of which are hereby incorporated by reference. The
passageway can have any shape such as round, triangular, square,
elliptical, irregular, etc.
Another method of producing controlled release bead formulations
suitable for about 24-hour administration is via powder layering,
U.S. Pat. No. 5,411,745, assigned to the Assignee of the present
invention and hereby incorporated by reference in its entirety,
teaches preparation of 24-hour morphine formulations prepared via
powder layering techniques utilizing a processing aid consisting
essentially of hydrous lactose impalpable. The powder-layered beads
are prepared by spraying an aqueous binder solution onto inert
beads to provide a tacky surface, and subsequently spraying a
powder that is a homogenous mixture of morphine sulfate and hydrous
lactose impalpable onto the tacky beads. The beads are then dried
and coated with a hydrophobic material such as those described
hereinabove to obtain the desired release of drug when the final
formulation is exposed to environmental fluids. An appropriate
amount of the controlled release beads are then, e.g. encapsulated
to provide a final dosage form which provides effective plasma
concentrations of morphine for about 12 hours.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS
The following examples illustrate various aspects of the present
invention. They are not meant to be construed to limit the claims
in any manner whatsoever.
Example 1
Hydrocodone sustained release tablets were produced with the
formula set forth in Table 1 below:
TABLE-US-00001 TABLE 1 Ingredients Amt/Unit (mg) Amount/Batch (gm)
Hydrocodone Bitartrate 15.0 150.0 Spray Dried Lactose 56.0 560.0
Povidone 4.0 40.0 Eudragit RS30D (solids) 10.0 100.0 Triacetin 2.0
20.0 Stearyl Alcohol 20.0 200.0 Talc 2.0 20.0 Magnesium Stearate
1.0 10.0 Total 110.0 1100.0
According to the following procedure: 1. Retardant dispersion:
Blend Eudragit RS30D and Triacetin using a lightnin mixer. 2. Melt
Stearyl Alcohol. 3. Spray retardant dispersion onto Hydrocodone
Bitartrate, Spray Dried Lactose, and Povidone using a fluid bed
granulator. 4. Dry batch on a stainless steel tray for 15 minutes,
or till constant weight. 5. Incorporate the melted Stearyl Alcohol
into the batch using a Hobart mixer. 6. Dry waxed granulation on a
stainless steel tray for 30 minutes, or temperature of granulation
reaches 35.degree. C. or less. 7. Mill the cooled granulation
through a CoMil. 8. Lubricate the granulation with talc and
magnesium stearate using a Hobart Mixer. 9. Compress the
granulation into tablets using a tablet press.
The tablets were then tested for dissolution using the following
procedure: 1. Apparatus: USP Method I (basket), 100 rpm. 2. Medium:
700 ml SGF for 55 min, thereafter 900 ml of SIF without enzyme 3.
Sampling time: 1, 2, 4, 8 and 12 hours. 4. Analytical: High
Performance Liquid Chromatography.
The dissolution parameters are set forth in Table II below:
TABLE-US-00002 TABLE II Time (Hours) % Dissolved 1 39.7 2 51.5 4
67.4 8 86.4 12 96.1
The Cmax and Tmax were then obtained for Example 1 and an immediate
release reference standard in a bioavailability study comparing
hydrocodone 15 mg administered as an immediate release formulation
(Lortab 7.5 mg.times.2) to the above CR formulation in healthy
human subjects, as set forth in Table III below:
TABLE-US-00003 TABLE III Pharmacokinetic data Hydrocodone
Bitartrate Cmax (ng/ml) 35.4 IR reference product Cmax (ng/ml) 13.4
CR product Cmax (CR)/Cmax (IR) 38% Tmax (hr) 1.32 IR reference
product Tmax (hr) 4.07 CR product
Example 2
Hydrocodone sustained release tablets were produced with the
formula set forth in Table IV below:
TABLE-US-00004 TABLE IV Ingredients Amt/Unit (mg) Amt/Batch (g)
Hydrocodone Bitartrate 15.0 150.0 Spray Dried Lactose 51.0 510.0
Povidone 4.0 40.0 Eudragit RS30D (solids) 10.0 100.0 Triacetin 2.0
20.0 Stearyl Alcohol 25.0 250.0 Talc 2.0 20.0 Magnesium Stearate
1.0 10.0 Total 110.0 1100.0
according to the procedure of Example 1,
The dissolution parameters were then obtained using the procedure
of Example 1. The results are set forth in table V below:
TABLE-US-00005 TABLE V Time (Hours) % Dissolved 1 36 2 45.8 4 60.5
8 78.9 12 90.4
Example 3
Hydrocodone sustained release capsules were produced with the
formula set forth in Table VI below:
TABLE-US-00006 TABLE VI Ingredients Amt/Unit (mg) Amt/Batch (g)
Hydrocodone 15.0 320.0 Bitartrate Eudragit RSPO 76.0 1520.0
Eudragit RLPO 4.0 80.0 Stearyl Alcohol 25.0 500.0 Total 120.0
2400.0
According to the following procedure: 1. Blend milled Stearyl
Alcohol, Eudragit RLPO, Hydrocodone Bitartrate, and Eudragit RSPO
using a Hobart Mixer. 2. Extrude the granulation using a Powder
Feeder, Melt Extruder (equipped with the 6.times.1 mm die head),
Conveyor, Lasermike, and Pelletizer under the following
conditions:
TABLE-US-00007 Zone 1 10.degree. C. Zone 2 20.degree. C. Zone 3
120.degree. C. Zone 4 120.degree. C. Zone 5 120.degree. C. Zone 6
120.degree. C. Zone 7 95.degree. C. Zone 8 95.degree. C. MGA
120.degree. C. Die 117.degree. C.
Powder feed rate--40 g/min; screw speed--185 rpm; vacuum-.about.980
mBar Conveyor--such that diameter of extrudate is 1 mm
Pelletizer--such that pellets are cut to 1 mm in length 3. Screen
pellets using #16 mesh and #20 mesh screens. Collect material that
passes through the #16 mesh screen and is retained on the #20 mesh
screen. 4. Fill size #2 clear gelatin capsules with the pellets.
Range: NLT 114 mg and NMT 126 mg.
The dissolution parameters were then obtained using the procedure
of Example 1. The results are set forth in table VII below:
TABLE-US-00008 TABLE VII Time (Hours) % Dissolved 1 23.9 2 34.7 4
51.7 8 74.6 12 85.2
Example 4
Oxycodone sustained release tablets were produced with the formula
set forth in Table
VIII below:
TABLE-US-00009 TABLE VIII Ingredients Amt/Unit (mg) Amount/Batch
(gm) Oxycodone HCl 20.0 22.0 Spray Dried Lactose 59.25 65.175
Povidone 5.0 5.5 Eudragit RS30D (solids) 10.0 11.0 Triacetin 2.0
2.2 Stearyl Alcohol 25.0 27.5 Talc 2.5 2.75 Magnesium Stearate 1.25
1.375 Opadry Pink Y-S-14518A 4.0 4.26 Total 129.0 141.76
According to the following procedure: 1. Granulation: Spray the
Eudragit/Triacetin dispersion onto the Oxycodone HCl, Spray Dried
Lactose and Povidone using a fluid bed granulator. 2. Milling:
Discharge the granulation and pass through a mill. 3. Waxing: Melt
the stearyl alcohol and add to the milled granulation using a
mixer. Allow to cool. 4. Milling: Pass the cooled granulation
through a mill. 5. Lubrication: Lubricate the granulation with talc
and magnesium stearate using a mixer. 6. Compression: Compress the
granulation into tablets using a tablet press. 7. Film coating:
Apply an aqueous film coat to the tablets.
The tablets were then tested for dissolution using the following
procedure: 1. Apparatus: USP Type II (paddle), 150 rpm. 2. Medium:
700 ml SGF for first hour, thereafter made 900 ml with phosphate
buffer to pH 7.5. 3. Sampling time: 1, 2, 4, 8, 12, 18 and 24
hours. 4. Analytical: High Performance Liquid Chromatography.
The dissolution parameters are set forth in Table IX below:
TABLE-US-00010 TABLE IX Time (hrs) % Dissolved 1 45 2 55 4 70 8 87
12 96 18 101 24 102
The Cmax and Tmax were then obtained for Example 4 and an immediate
release reference standard in a bioavailability study, as set forth
in Table X below:
TABLE-US-00011 TABLE X Pharmacokinetic data Oxycodone HCl Cmax
(ng/ml) 38.2 IR reference product Cmax (ng/ml) 21.7 CR product Cmax
(CR)/Cmax (IR) 57% Tmax (hr) 1.10 IR reference product Tmax (hr)
2.62 CR product
Example 5
Morphine sustained release tablets were produced with the formula
set forth in Table XI below:
TABLE-US-00012 TABLE XI Ingredients Amount/unit (mg) Amount/batch
(kg) Morphine sulfate 30.0 138.0 Spray Dried Lactose 70.0 322.0
Hydroxyethyl cellulose 10.0 46.0 Cetostearyl alcohol 35.0 161.0
Talc 3.0 13.8 Magnesium stearate 2.0 9.2 Opadry YS-1-4729 5.0 23.0
To0tal 155.0 713.0
According to the following procedure: 1. Granulation: Add water to
the Morphine sulfate, Spray Dried Lactose and Hydroxyethyl
cellulose in a mixer and dry using a fluid bed granulator. 2.
Screening: Discharge the granulation and pass through a sieve. 3.
Waxing: Melt the cetostearyl alcohol and add to the milled
granulation using a mixer. Allow to cool. 4. Screening: Pass the
cooled granulation through a sieve. 5. Lubrication: Lubricate the
granulation with talc and magnesium stearate using a mixer. 6.
Compression: Compress the granulation into tablets using a tablet
press. 7. Film coating: Apply an aqueous film coat to the
tablets.
The tablets were then tested for dissolution using the following
procedure: 1. Apparatus: USP Method I (Basket), 50 rpm 2. Medium:
900 ml of Purified Water, 37.degree. C. 3. Sampling time: 1, 2, 3,
4, and 6 hours. 4. Analytical: UV detection, 285 nm and 305 nm,
2-point method using 5-cm cell.
The dissolution parameters are set forth in Table XII below:
TABLE-US-00013 TABLE XII Time (Hours) % Dissolved 1 34.2 2 49.9 3
64.2 4 75.5 6 90.3
The Cmax and Tmax were then obtained for Example 5 and an immediate
release reference standard in a bioavailability study, as set forth
in Table XIII below:
TABLE-US-00014 TABLE XIII Pharmacokinetic data Morphine Sulphate
Cmax (ng/ml) 22.1 IR reference product Cmax (ng/ml) 12 CR product
Cmax (CR)/Cmax (IR) 54% Tmax (hr) 0.98 IR reference product Tmax
(hr) 2.09 CR product
Example 6
The pharmakokinetic parameters of Example 1, Example 4 and Example
5 were compared to each other. It was surprisingly found that even
though the dissolution of the hydrocodone HCl controlled release
tablets of example 1 were very similar to the dissolution of the
controlled release oxycodone tablets of example 4 and the morphine
sulfate controlled release tablets of example 5, the Cmax ratio of
CR to IR for the hydrocodone formulation is 38%, whereas the
oxycodone tablets and morphine tablets are over 50%. The
comparative results are set forth in Table XIV below:
TABLE-US-00015 TABLE XIV Hydrocodone Oxycodone Morphine
Pharmacokinetic data Bitartrate HCl Sulphate Cmax (ng/ml) 35.4 38.2
22.1 IR reference product Cmax (ng/ml) 13.4 21.7 12 CR product Cmax
(CR)/Cmax (IR) 38% 57% 54% Tmax (hr) 1.32 1.10 0.98 IR reference
product Tmax (hr) 4.07 2.62 2.09 CR product
Example 7
A single dose, four treatment, open label, pharmacokinetic
comparison of controlled release hydrocodone formulations of
Example 1, Example 2, Example 3 and two immediate release
hydrocodone bitartrate 7.5 mg/Acetaminophen 500 mg tablets (IR
Example) in fasted normal volunteers was conducted. The plasma
concentrations for these formulations are set forth in tables 15-18
below:
TABLE-US-00016 TABLE 15 Hydrocodone Plasma Concentration (ng/mL)
after administration of one (1) Controlled-Release Hydrocodone
Bitartrate 15 mg tablet-Formulation A Time (hours) Subject -0.08
0.5 0.75 1 2 3 4 6 9 12 18 24 30 36 1 0.00 4.55 11.1 9.11 15.8 15.5
17.4 15.4 14.5 12.1 6.33 3.58 2.25 1.29 2 0.00 7.81 8.76 9.20 11.3
14.8 15.5 14.5 10.5 9.30 5.40 3.39 2.10 0.921 3 0.00 4.63 7.66 8.95
15.9 15.6 16.9 16.3 12.3 9.41 6.55 4.10 2.38 0.986 4 0.00 3.48 9.48
9.11 10.7 11.9 13.0 12.4 10.7 8.96 5.22 3.08 1.56 0.558 5 0.00 1.43
4.25 7.20 12.8 13.5 13.0 12.5 9.62 7.01 4.38 3.26 1.93 1.01 6 0.00
4.69 7.60 10.5 12.8 13.9 13.3 15.1 12.3 8.59 4.52 3.11 1.59 0.702 7
0.00 0.56 1.86 3.85 7.54 8.26 8.18 8.90 6.23 4.56 2.99 1.61 0.752
0.00 8 0.00 3.68 7.61 11.5 12.4 13.2 12.7 12.5 9.10 7.09 4.33 2.93
1.24 0.509 9 0.00 8.06 9.79 9.98 11.4 10.7 11.4 11.9 7.66 5.98 3.85
2.10 1.12 0.573 10 0.00 3.83 5.71 7.84 8.49 10.8 11.6 11.5 8.02
6.70 3.34 2.33 1.31 0.00 11 0.00 3.64 5.20 8.00 10.3 11.8 12.5 10.8
7.44 7.84 4.75 2.21 1.11 0.00 12 0.00 3.07 6.14 8.51 14.3 15.0 14.9
14.7 12.1 7.75 4.34 2.52 1.69 0.859 13 0.00 1.95 3.82 4.47 9.55
9.15 8.31 8.05 5.85 3.93 2.45 7.68 1.35 1.07 14 0.00 2.21 4.56 7.33
11.2 12.9 13.3 13.2 10.6 8.41 4.68 3.11 2.35 0.978 MEAN 0.00 3.83
6.68 8.25 11.7 12.6 13.0 12.7 9.78 7.69 4.51 3.22 1.62 0.67- 5 SD
0.00 2.13 2.62 2.10 2.48 2.31 2.70 2.41 2.54 2.09 1.15 1.44 0.513
0.425- % CV 0.00 21.7 39.2 25.5 21.2 18.3 20.8 19.0 26.0 27.2 25.5
44.7 31.7 63.0-
TABLE-US-00017 TABLE 16 Hydrocodone Plasma Concentration (ng/mL)
after administration of one (1) Controlled-Release Hydrocodone
Bitartrate 15 mg tablet-Formulation B Time (hours) Subject -0.08
0.5 0.75 1 2 3 4 6 9 12 18 24 30 36 1 0.00 3.18 5.64 11.8 11.4 12.4
13.5 14.3 11.4 9.28 5.69 3.23 2.23 1.10 2 0.00 2.61 7.04 8.53 10.7
12.4 11.5 13.6 11.4 9.25 6.43 4.13 2.59 1.35 3 0.00 5.49 7.57 9.67
13.5 15.6 15.7 14.4 12.6 9.41 7.83 5.19 3.45 1.77 4 0.00 2.71 5.67
6.35 8.88 11.3 13.7 12.0 8.72 8.18 5.58 4.33 2.63 1.26 5 0.00 3.98
6.59 7.38 10.6 11.8 11.6 9.42 6.75 4.81 5.28 3.67 2.43 1.25 6 0.00
0.711 2.85 7.98 12.9 13.6 13 13.8 10.1 8.04 5.17 3.71 2.33 0.940 7
0.00 1.82 3.03 3.97 7.22 8.04 8.05 7.87 5.97 3.77 2.53 2.12 1.94
1.19 8 0.00 2.47 3.99 6.03 10.9 13.2 13.8 12.6 9.49 7.60 6.11 4.74
2.38 0.856 9 0.00 5.02 10.4 8.48 9.06 9.90 9.88 7.96 4.78 3.99 3.77
3.42 1.53 0.805 10 0.00 3.20 8.17 10.7 9.08 10.7 11.8 11.2 9.08
6.20 3.38 2.75 1.84 0.672 11 0.00 4.20 6.86 6.36 9.97 11.3 11.3
10.2 7.79 5.08 4.38 2.67 1.53 0.815 12 0.00 4.73 7.71 9.48 11.9
15.1 16.5 15.5 13.2 8.89 4.58 3.60 2.67 2.12 13 0.00 1.56 2.87 3.89
6.31 7.43 7.87 7.64 7.01 5.34 3.57 2.12 1.35 1.41 14 0.00 0.663
2.20 3.86 8.74 14.7 15.0 15.3 13.6 10.7 6.84 4.47 2.39 1.59 MEAN 0
3.02 5.76 7.46 10.1 12 12.4 11.8 9.42 7.18 5.08 3.58 2.24 1.22 SD 0
1.53 2.45 2.53 2.03 2.45 2.61 2.81 2.77 2.27 1.48 0.943 0.556 0.408
% CV 0 50.7 42.5 33.9 20.1 20.4 21 23.8 29.4 31.6 29.1 26.3 24.8
33.4
TABLE-US-00018 TABLE 17 Hydrocodone Plasma Concentration (ng/mL)
after administration of two (2) Immediate- Release Hydrocodone 7.5
mg/Acetaminophen 500 mg tablets-Formulation C Time (hours) Subject
-0.08 0.5 0.75 1 2 3 4 6 9 12 18 24 30 36 1 0.00 40.6 41.6 45.4
32.1 26.3 22.7 15.2 9.95 6.08 2.58 1.20 0.585 0.00 2 0.00 44.3 50.7
40.1 28.6 23.3 20.2 15.6 9.46 6.08 2.96 1.68 0.872 0.00 3 0.00 17.6
42.3 42.6 37.8 35.4 31.2 21.0 13.0 7.79 3.12 1.77 0.685 0.00 4 0.00
21.2 43.3 36.5 26.9 23.5 20.7 15.4 9.39 5.09 2.27 1.17 0.523 0.00 5
0.00 37.4 39.3 36.1 27.9 22.4 18.1 14.1 7.91 4.98 2.37 1.07 0.546
0.00 6 0.00 3.17 8.67 16.3 17.5 16.9 13.8 11.3 6.52 4.22 1.71 0.703
0.00 0.00 7 0.00 0.900 6.76 14.7 18.3 17.1 14.1 9.66 5.52 3.32 1.21
0.00 0.00 0.00 8 0.00 2.97 13.7 22.2 32.4 28.8 24.2 18.3 10.9 6.46
2.17 1.02 0.00 0.00 9 0.00 50.0 39.3 33.7 24.2 20.1 17.0 13.0 6.84
4.01 1.47 0.565 0.00 0.00 10 0.00 0.627 14.8 25.2 22.4 17.3 16.5
10.9 5.90 3.15 1.05 0.00 0.00 0.00 11 0.00 8.46 13.3 29.3 31.3 24.8
21.0 14.0 9.43 6.04 2.62 1.14 0.00 0.00 12 0.00 30.6 44.4 44.4 40.0
30.8 29.1 19.9 11.3 6.86 3.15 1.47 0.634 0.00 13 0.00 3.73 12.2
17.9 19.1 19.8 16.3 13.9 8.72 5.43 2.51 0.706 0.00 0.00 14 0.00
18.0 29.7 35.3 30.7 26.6 23.4 16.1 9.20 6.24 2.60 1.27 0.556 0.00
MEAN 0.00 20.0 28.6 31.4 27.8 23.8 20.6 14.9 8.86 5.41 2.27 0.983
0.314 0.- 00 SD 0.00 17.7 16.0 10.6 6.93 5.48 5.21 3.26 2.15 1.36
0.676 0.541 0.336 0.0- 0 % CV 0.00 88.5 55.9 33.8 24.9 23.0 25.3
21.9 24.3 25.1 29.8 55.0 107 0.00
TABLE-US-00019 TABLE 18 Hydrocodone Plasma Concentration (ng/mL)
after administration of one (1) Controlled-Release Hydrocodone
Bitartrate 15 mg capsule-Formulation D Time (hours) Subject -0.08
0.5 0.75 1 2 3 4 6 9 12 18 24 30 36 1 0.00 1.76 4.07 5.17 8.33 9.72
11.1 14.0 13.6 11.7 8.78 6.14 3.91 1.97 2 0.00 2.76 4.83 5.13 6.17
10.4 10.6 13.5 11.8 10.1 6.57 3.71 2.57 1.34 3 0.00 2.91 4.25 6.01
10.1 12.3 12.0 14.8 13.5 11.4 7.40 4.16 2.65 1.46 4 0.00 1.69 5.93
6.26 8.29 8.37 8.06 10.5 8.91 8.70 4.58 2.61 1.63 0.536 5 0.00
0.616 2.74 4.47 8.58 9.16 8.60 10.1 8.66 6.64 4.72 2.57 2.05 0.986
6 0.00 0.663 2.40 4.87 7.50 10.1 11.7 13.0 11.5 8.30 5.38 3.88 2.39
1.25 7 0.00 0.00 1.55 2.32 4.61 6.38 7.22 7.41 6.75 4.82 3.10 1.72
0.984 0.578 8 0.00 1.26 3.03 5.15 7.26 8.80 8.81 9.34 9.07 9.28
6.81 3.31 1.93 1.25 9 0.00 3.36 3.63 6.38 8.31 8.04 8.20 9.55 8.28
6.49 3.72 2.25 1.92 0.901 10 0.00 0.692 2.91 2.95 5.11 6.09 7.37
7.11 6.33 5.67 3.76 2.76 1.43 0.573- 11 0.00 1.11 2.87 3.28 6.82
9.69 10.3 12.0 12.2 8.81 5.76 3.25 2.10 1.08 12 0.00 2.25 3.31 4.72
8.03 11.4 11.2 12.1 11.0 9.75 5.64 3.51 2.71 1.34 13 0.00 0.00 1.29
2.71 5.51 6.67 8.92 8.44 7.13 7.01 3.99 2.41 1.04 0.858 14 0.00
1.02 2.94 4.53 8.82 10.5 11.7 14.1 13.0 10.2 6.37 3.56 1.93 1.61
MEAN 0.00 1.44 3.27 4.57 7.39 9.12 9.70 11.1 10.1 8.49 5.47 3.27
2.09 1.12- SD 0.00 1.06 1.23 1.31 1.57 1.86 1.71 2.57 2.55 2.11
1.61 1.08 0.754 0.419- % CV 0.00 73.6 37.6 28.7 21.2 20.4 17.6 23.2
25.2 24.9 29.4 33.0 36.1 37.4-
The pharmacokinetic parameters are set forth in Table 19 below:
TABLE-US-00020 TABLE 19 Mean.sup.a % Ratio.sup.b,c Ex. 1 IR Ex. Ex.
1/IR Ex. 90% CI.sup.b Parameter Fasted Fasted Fasted Lower Upper
AUC(0, last) 200.95 216.35 93.36 86.96 100.23 (ng hr/mL) Cmax
(ng/mL) 13.16 33.37 39.48 35.26 44.20 Tmax (hr) 4.07 1.32 208.11
257.17 357.80 W50 (hr) 13.41 4.67 287.38 265.91 314.15 T1/2 (abs)
(hr) 1.64 0.69 237.65 197.73 284.44 T1/2 (elim) (hr) 6.44 3.09
208.78 184.43 234.20 Ex. 2 IR Ex. Ex. 2/IR Ex. Fasted Fasted Fasted
Lower Upper AUC(0, last) 201.57 216.35 93.21 86.82 100.07 (ng
hr/mL) Cmax (ng/mL) 12.42 33.37 37.36 33.37 41.83 Tmax (hr) 4.20
1.32 317.57 262.19 362.83 W50 (hr) 13.08 4.67 280.31 257.03 305.26
T1/2 (abs) (hr) 1.57 0.69 227.91 183.84 270.55 T1/2 (elim) (hr)
7.86 3.09 254.85 231.54 281.31 Ex. 3 IR. Ex. Ex. 3/IR Ex. Fasted
Fasted Fasted Lower Upper AUC(0, last) 194.40 216.35 90.28 84.09
96.92 (ng hr/mL) Cmax (ng/mL) 10.93 33.37 32.69 29.20 36.60 Tmax
(hr) 5.93 1.32 448.65 398.87 499.51 W50 (hr) 16.30 4.67 349.21
328.68 376.92 T1/2 (abs) (hr) 2.98 0.69 431.26 395.95 482.67 T1/2
(elim) (hr) 6.96 3.09 225.61 200.49 250.26 .sup.aGeometric means
for AUC(0, last) and Cmax and arithmetic means for Tmax, W50, T1/2
(abs), and T1/2 (elim). .sup.bRatio and 90% CI are based on least
square means. .sup.cRatio (%): (Test mean/Reference mean) .times.
100, based on least square means
Example 8
Hydrocodone sustained release tablets were produced with the
formula set forth in Table XX below:
TABLE-US-00021 TABLE XX Ingredient mg/tab kg/batch Hydrocodone
bitartrate 15 15.0 Dibasic calcium phosphate 31 31.0 Glyceryl
behenate 10 10.0 Stearyl alcohol 22 22.0 Microcrystalline cellulose
31 31.0 Magnesium stearate 1.0 1.0 Opadry Purple YS-1-10371-A 5.0
5.0 Purified water N/A.sup.1 28.33.sup.1 115.0 mg 115.0 kg
.sup.1Evaporates during processing and is not part of finished
product.
According to the following procedure: 1. Milling: Pass stearyl
alcohol flakes through a mill. 2. Blending: Mix The Hydrocodone
bitartrate, Dibasic calcium phosphate, Glyceryl behenate, Stearyl
alcohol and Microcrystalline cellulose with a suitable blender 3.
Extrusion: Continuously feed the blended material into a twin screw
extruder at an elevated temperature to soften and form an
extrudate. 4. Cooling: Allow the extrudate to cool on a Conveyor.
5. Milling: Pass the cooled extrudate through a mill to obtain a
suitable particle size granulation 6. Blending: Blend the milled
extrudate with the magnesium stearate. 7. Compression: Compress the
resultant granulation using a tablet press. 8. Coating: Prepare a
film coating solution by dispersing the Opadry in Purified Water
and applying it to the tablet cores.
The tablets were then tested for dissolution using the following
procedure: 1. Apparatus: USP Type I (basket), 100 rpm. 2. Medium:
700 ml SGF (without enzymes) for first 55 minutes, thereafter made
900 ml with phosphate buffer to pH 7.5. 3. Sampling time: 1, 2, 4,
8, and 12 hours. 4. Analytical: High Performance Liquid
Chromatography.
The dissolution parameters are set forth in Table XXI below:
TABLE-US-00022 TABLE XXI Time (hrs) % Dissolved 1 22 2 37 4 58 8 84
12 99
Example 9
A 3 way crossover, pharmacokinetic comparison study of a single
dose of 15 mg Hydrocodone Controlled Release Tablets (Example 8) in
Fed and Fasted and of 15 mg Hydrocodone Immediate Release
(2.times.7.5 mg tablets) was given over two Q6H doses in fasted
normal volunteers.
The Cmax and Tmax were then obtained for Example 8 and an immediate
release reference standard in a bioavailability study, as set forth
in Table XXII and XXIII below:
TABLE-US-00023 TABLE XXII Pharmacokinetic data (Fasted State)
Hydrocodone Bitartrate Cmax (ng/ml) 43.16 IR reference product
(Dose adjusted) Cmax (ng/ml) 17.87 CR product Cmax (CR)/Cmax 41%
(IR) Tmax (hr) 6.42 IR reference product Tmax (hr) 4.04 CR
product
TABLE-US-00024 TABLE XXXIII Hydrocodone Hydrocodone Hydrocodone
Bitartrate IR Bitartrate Bitartrate 2 .times. 7.5 mg
Pharmacokinetic CR 15 mg Tablets CR 15 mg Tablets Tablets data
(Fasted) (Fed) (Fasted) Cmax (ng/ml) 17.87 19.23 21.58 C.sub.12
hour 11.06 12.84 C.sub.12 hour/Cmax 62% 67% Tmax (hr) 4.04 4.81
6.42 AUC 267.43 277.58 229.33
* * * * *
References